Several years ago, a popular song was Bette Midler’s “From a Distance.”  Its call for world unity struck a responsive chord during the Persian Gulf conflict.

I don’t know the spiritual background of Julia Gold, the song’s composer, but she did have her theology straight in one sense.  As the song’s chorus reminded us, “God is watching us, from a distance.”  The song is right.  According to 2 Chronicles 16:9, “The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth.”

An astronaut who has seen our world “from a distance” described the view in striking terms.  According to Jack Lousma, he and his fellow astronauts could see man-made freeways and airports, as well as natural wonders such as rivers and deserts.  Some view! Of course, God has a better view than anybody, astronauts included.

But His view is even more detailed.  He can see each of us individually—He even knows our thoughts!  The idea of being under God’s constant gaze shouldn’t disturb us, however.  It’s just another way that He demonstrates His faithful love and care for us.

True, if we are harboring sin, the guilt could make God’s watchfulness a little unsettling, as it did for Adam and Eve [Genesis 3:8-10].  But for those who enjoy a close, intimate relationship with Him, God’s global vantage point is conforting.

This may sound kind of scary, but God is watching you right now.  Why not thank Him that He can see everything that happens to you—and that He cares so deply for you! – John Carvalho

R E F L E C T I O N

● When I think about the fact that God sees everything I do, I feel [choose one]: __reassured, __indifferent, __guilty.

● How does God’s constant gaze help me feel safe?  How does it show His love for me?

 

Source:  “ Our Daily Journey ”  Meditations on God’s Leading through Life Vol. 11

READ:  2 Timothy 1:1-14

Do not be ashamed to testiry about our Lord. 2 Timothy 1:8

The story behind Shakespeare’s play Hamlet comes right out of history.  The terrible deed the Bard dramatized into immortality was repeated twice among royalty—once in Denmark, and again in England shortly before he wrote.  A king had been murdered by his brother.  The brother married the king’s widow, and they cheated the king’s son out of the throne.  A terrible choice confronted the son.  Should I avenge my father’s death? Do I take my throne by force? Or do I do nothing?

The agony of Hamlet’s heart was expressed in the familiar words, “To be or not to be, that is the question.”  The options are expressed in these lines:

“Thus conscience does make cowards of us all.”

“Is it not perfect conscience to quit [kill] the king?”

Those who have read or seen the play—and I believe every Christian student should read it—know that young Hamlet finally does avenge his father’s death, and that he land just about everyone else dies in the process.

Underneath all of this is an important issue, I am convinced that every believer in Jesus Christ will be faced with a similar crisis of conscience and courage.  Will you have the courage to act out of conviction?  Or will you slink away in fear and shame?  Will you speak out to that group of buddies, or boss, or special friend, and say, “I am a follower of Jesus Christ, and I don’t do those things”?  or will yo remain quiet?

Paul’s admonition to Timothy is a challenge to us as well:  “Do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord” [2 Timothy 1:8].  To speak out for Him, letting the chips fall where they may, is to have the courage to be what you confess you are. – Dave Egner

R E F L E C T I O N

● When challenged to assert my faith, do I respond with boldness and courage?  In what kinds of situations am I hesitant?

Source:  “ Our Daily Journey ”  Meditations on God’s Leading through Life Vol. 11

 

Read:  Genesis 45:1-15

It was not you who sent me here, but God.  Genesis 45:8.

Do you enjoy movies that rip your heart out?  There’s the good guy, the bad guy, the gut-wrenching feeling, and the cliffhanger of an ending.

For stories with high drama, you don’t have to look farther than the Bible.  Take the story of Joseph, the most-loved son of Jacob.  His older brothers despised him and secretly sold him into slavery, and he was shipped off to Egypt.  There, poor Joseph ended up in the slammer for a crime h didn’t commit.  But his future became much brighter when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and saved the country from starvation that was caused by famine,  celebrated and honored, Joseph became second-in-command over all of Egypt.

When his brothers came around asking for food, Joseph could have harbored bitterness and become angry at his siblings for selling him—but he didn’t.  as hurt as he was, he realized that God had a bigger purpose.  He said, “Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you” (Genesis 45:5).

That reminds me of the Man who died for crimes He didn’t commit.  Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).  He chose to accept the pain and the shame to pay for our sin.  He showed ultimate humility, self-sacrifice, and love.

If we follow his example, we will learn to forgive those who have wronged us—and we’ll seek to trust that God uses even the worst circumstances to further His great plans.  That’s the greatest story ever!  -Suzie Cross

R  E  F  L  E  C  T  I  O  N

●  If some has hurt me, have I forgiven that person?

●  Have I ever seen a hurtful situation turned around by God to produce good?  How can such an experience strengthen my faith?

 

Source:  “ Our Daily Journey ”  Meditations on God’s Leading through Life Vol. 11