Imagine with me

Yesterday we looked at a couple key words from the poet and prophet Isaiah. One of those words was the Hebrew word, bārā', and it means to create. There is something additionally interesting about this word, the use of this word in the Scriptures is only used of the Divine doing. It is never once used with humans as the subject. Humans might make, shape or form something, but they do not create. It’s the unsolvable mystery.

And that last statement can really get under people’s skin. Do you know who we are? Do you know how advanced and smart we are? Are you aware of the ingenuity we are capable of? Yes, it’s all very impressive. Good job.

But not all mystery is for solving, some of it is simply for embracing and enjoying. We do not create, that is of Divine mystery. And yet… we are surrounded with that which is created, so we can be amazed and awash in the awe and wonder of it all.

This season has been one of significant reflection for me, even simply reflecting on the 25 years I have participated in ministry. This one life has been one surprise after another. Mystery has only expanded and danced and become more compelling and inspiring for me.

There is so much I cannot explain, so I simply laugh and enjoy. I smile and cry tears of joy. Seriously, how can this be?

Sure, I have experienced piles of heartbreak and heartache. I have lost loved ones, shockingly and tragically, and there have been heaps of disappointments. But when has that not been part of the death to life rhythm of the cosmos? Why would I be omitted from any of that?

I’m talking about the palpable hum within each day, the gurgling giddy up that is within, under, and through this one life. The whimsy we are invited into… daily.

Imagine with me…. possibility. It comes from that which is created, which is not of us… but is for us.

Don’t miss that. The Divine is for us. Look around at the miracle that is this one life. If it wasn’t for the echo chamber known as cable news and social media, we wouldn’t keep up to speed on every negative thing that happened or is simply perceived. Systems work really hard to keep us cynical, jaded, bent, and imprisoned to despair.

Creation simply is. Wonder waits above, below, before and after.

The Divine creates. We can receive. Yes, I’ll take the mystery and beauty and brilliance and love and endless grace. What a…

gift.

Imagine with me…