If you had an evening to spend by the fire with anyone, who would it be and why? What do you find fascinating in people? Their talent, their knowledge, their personality, their kindness, their listening ability, their experiences, their tastefulness, their generosity? What is it about people that is attractive to you? Think of it for a minute. Every quality we admire in others was true first and ultimately and in perfection in God. He is the source of everything we find fascinating. Who made Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and gave them their gifts? Who created music? God did. Who first made the mountains, the streams, the oceans and lights and the sky that painters paint? Who made the woman with breath taking beauty and the man with awesome power and coordination? I’ll tell you. It was a God of breath-taking beauty awesome in power. He is attractive. He is winsome. You will never tire of Him. He is infinitely admirable and ultimately fascinating.
Randy Alcorn in his wonderful book called Heaven said it this way: “All secondary joys are derivative in nature. They cannot be separated from God. Flowers are beautiful for one reason—God is beautiful. Rainbows are stunning because God is stunning. Puppies are delightful because God is delightful. Sports are fun because God is fun. Study is rewarding because God is rewarding. Work is fulfilling because God is fulfilling.”
Paul knew that. That is why he said, “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)
Ken Pierpont
Granville Cottage
Riverview, Michigan
October 5, 2009
