Lent Day Twenty Nine
“The Fingerprints and Face of God”
Psalm 24:1-6 The Passion Translation
1 God claims the world as his!
Everything and everyone belongs to him!
2 He’s the One who pushed back oceans
to let the dry ground appear,
planting firm foundations for the earth.
3 Who, then, ascends into the presence of the Lord?
And who has the privilege of entering into
God’s Holy Place?
4 Those who are clean—whose works and ways are pure,
whose hearts are true and sealed by the truth,
those who never deceive, whose words are sure.
5 They will receive the Lord’s blessing
and righteousness given by the Savior-God.
6 They will stand before God,
for they seek the pleasure of God’s face,
the God of Jacob.
Pause in his presence
I had the privilege a few years ago now, of visiting Niagara Falls. As I stood, watching the torrent of water cascading down that great height, and listening to the thunderous roar that accompanied it, I was lost for words. If you have been there, you will know that the sensation is more than visual; you feel it physically. The deep roar of the water quickens the pulse and takes your breath away. It is awesome. Nowadays that word, ‘awesome’, is used so widely it has lost something of its true meaning. Much as I enjoy a good coffee, I really don’t think a cup of coffee could really inspire awe! But the world around us can, if we have eyes to see it. And that is because it is God’; by design, by spoken word and by sovereign oversight.
The first word in Psalm 24 is ‘God’ the Lord, as if to tell us that He comes first, and that everything is His. Verse 2 manages to sum up the astonishing creation of the world in just a few words: ‘He’s the One who pushed back oceans to let the dry ground appear, planting firm foundations for the earth.’ Creation by design, by Divine purpose for our awe and provision.
If you are a fan of CS Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia this may have reminded you of the rather lovely account of the founding of Narnia in the first novel. As Aslan the Lion, that Christlike figure began to sing, the stars suddenly burst into light, the darkness began to give way to the sun rising, colours appeared as everything burst into life, and animals and birds of every kind appeared and came towards Aslan, joining in his song.
Although the world around us often looks bleak, especially when we look at the impact mankind is having, nevertheless the fingerprints of our Creator God continue to be in evidence -- if you have eyes to see. And it can take your breath away as it takes you out of your small world of I, Me, Myself, and into His world of majesty and awe. It is a signpost (Psalm 19) designed to draw our attention to the One for whom all our longings, appetites and imaginings yearn. The Lord Jesus!
But, the psalmist asks, once so overawed by His glory and greatness, how can we ever hope to enjoy His presence personally? It seems such an uphill effort. The answer comes: there is a Saviour who saves, vindicates, who justifies those who will seek His face! Thank you, Jesus!
Goff Hope
Goff is a Londoner, born in Queen Elizabeth 2 Coronation year, and it was at a Billy Graham crusade at London’s Earls Court that he became a Christian. Much of his early life was focussed on London, going to school on the Underground, working for the BBC at White City studios (then later ITV on the South Bank) meeting wife Angie at Kensington Temple, and then leaving a career in television to study at London Bible College (LST).
For the last 34 years Goff has been a church leader at King’s Community Church here in Norwich during which time he and Angie have travelled widely serving churches in the Newfrontiers family of churches. He has also been involved in the training of leaders. Goff’s other passions in life include family, spending time with grandchildren and when time allows, escaping on the Norfolk Broads in his sailing dinghy!