Good morning,
Lapham Peak in the Kettle Moraine State Forest is a picturesque setting perfect for hiking, picnicking, or for just enjoying fresh air and God’s creation. There are nearly 20 miles of trails through all kinds of terrain, but the destination for many visitors is the five-story observation tower. Even if you’re afraid of heights, you might decide to climb the steps to the platform at the top. The view is worth it. At ground level you see the trees, plants, and paths within a small area, but a tower view shows you the big picture. You see how vast the forest is and how trails and roads intersect. It’s the difference between looking at a few unassembled puzzle pieces and all 1,000 pieces forming a complete scene.
Many people see life only from ground level. They look at their own experiences: their childhood, education, and what they do for a living. They learn about their family history. There are accounts of the rise and fall of nations over thousands of years in history books. But even with all that, it’s still not the big picture. It’s still individual, unassembled puzzle pieces. How do they all fit together? Are they even intended to? Where do I fit?
If you’ve ever wondered that or know someone who has, the Lord offers you a panoramic view from His vantage point, the heights of heaven. Paul showed the people of Athens the big picture in just a few words: “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth…He himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men…and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him…He has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:24ff.).
What a view! We are just individuals among billions of people, yet God Himself has fashioned and made each of us. We are not here at this time by fate or accident, but by God’s perfect design. We are not left to find our own way through life. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. While all we can see from ground level is this brief temporary life, the Lord shows us the big picture and how He has paid for our sin, called us into His kingdom, and has glorious mansions waiting for our arrival. The view from the top is worth the climb! May the Spirit bless your time in the Word today and our fellowship tomorrow in His house.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor
Services tomorrow are at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday school meets at 9:15 a.m. and adult Bible class at 9:30 a.m.
The adult Bible class will begin a study of how God has given us the Bible in the original languages and also through translations into English. This is particularly relevant, since the Bd. of Elders is recommending that the congregation consider using the ESV translation for our services and pew Bibles in place of the NKJV. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to be part of the study and conversation.
The public school confirmation class meets after second service.
