I stood at the bottom of the hill and looked around. I could see a pretty view of parts of the lake, but most of it was out of my line of sight. As I climbed. At times, I could see more of the lake. At other times, the trees blocked my view, and I couldn’t see any of it. It all depended on my vantage point.
Finally, after about two hours of hiking, I reached the viewpoint at the summit. The view was breathtaking. Not only could I see the entire lake, but also many of the nearby farms and the forested hills. Looking up, I could see a huge expanse of sky.
The scenery hadn’t changed, only my vantage point; my ability to see it did.
I thought of God’s view of the world. Being outside of time and space and omnipotent. He can see every detail all at once. He sees our victories and joys as well as our failures and sorrows. He sees the hidden thing that we would never share with others. He sees no matter the lighting conditions, dark and daylight are the same from His vantage point.
He sees us at our most unlovable and rebellious and still loves us. I’ve seen myself at my most unlovable, and it amazes me that He could love me. Sometimes I don’t even like myself, let alone love myself. I think most of us have those moments.
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:5-8 ESV
From His vantage point, He sees something worth loving and saving. Only He alone knows what that is.
I’m grateful that He saw something in me that I couldn’t see. I’m amazed that He would want reconciliation with a habitual sinner like me. I’m surprised and astounded that He can love me.
Yet it’s true. The Bible declares it so. Jesus came and died for that very reason. He came to set us free.
Praise God for His mercy, grace, and love.
Be blessed
Kevin
