Pastor’s Corner: “From Sunrise to Sunset”
Exodus 16:6-7 (NIV) – So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you will know that it was the Lord who brought you out of Egypt, and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we that you should grumble against us?”
Photography is amazing if you stop and think about it. A photograph can tell a story. Some people like photographing people, others like shooting buildings. But I think that which is photographed most is a sunrise or sunset. Capturing a moment in time through a photograph can communicate something so much better than words could ever describe. Let me ask you, what describes a sunset more accurately – a blind person who has read all about sunsets (what causes the colors, the time of day they occur, the effect of clouds on the hues) or looking at a photograph with the vibrant oranges, blues, pinks and purples painted across the sky as the sun creeps below the horizon and the rays stream from behind the scattered clouds? Photos of sunrises and sunsets by professionals are in galleries but are also posted by amateurs all over social media. When you have something so beautiful and majestic to work with you hardly need much skill to set up the shot.
The natural beauty of a sunrise or sunset reminds me of the God’s presence and power. No matter the storms and circumstances of life, God is still bringing beauty into this messy and ugly world. He never stops and He gives us reminders every day. They are all around us if we are willing to stop and look. God has things in hand and is still able to bring great beauty into the world, and therefore into our lives. Just like not taking the time in our busy day to appreciate the beauty of a sunset we can take God’s blessings and gifts for granted and miss what He is doing all around us. In the process we can grumble and complain even in the midst of His great beauty and Love.
When the Israelites had escaped Egypt they also got a reminder every morning and every evening of God’s greatness. In the morning they received manna and in the evening it was quail. While these were elements of provision for the people, it was God’s way of showing them that He heard them and was still very present in their situation.
God is present in our situation today too! Do not let the chaos, evil and political climate of today distract or discourage you. Did the sun set last night? Did the sun rise this morning? God is still at work bringing beauty, love and grace to the world. And just like no two sunsets are alike, God never runs out of creative ways to make beauty out of ashes. The God who provided food from heaven for His people still provides for us today.
Are you so focused on big schemes and dreams that you don’t notice the spectacular flowers at your feet? Did you miss yesterday’s stunning sunset because you were in a funk over your frustrating day? Did you miss your toddler’s toothy smile and twinkling eyes because you so focused on your to-do list?
Open your eyes. Look around. There is evidence of God’s glory everywhere.
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton