Focal Point

The focal point. The part of a picture that the eye is drawn to, that everything else points to and leads to. Whatever one's vantage point, the focal point is the part of the picture that is most important to the eye.

I think our human history has a focal point as well. The cross. Ever since the fall of man, people looked for a coming savior. Ever since Jesus died on the cross, everything has pointed back to Him. The cross...the moment Christ died...was the one moment that changed it all. The veil in the temple was torn, and the way was opened for us to once again approach the Most High God without a mediator other than the blood of Christ. The cross really did change everything. The Creator died willingly for the love of his creation, and death brought life. And all the hope in the world points back to one dark day.

Today, Good Friday, is not an enjoyable day for me. I don't like death...in fact, I hate it, and I'm impatient for Sunday. I'm impatient to declare again that my Savior is risen, that the tomb is empty, and that death is swallowed up in victory! But if the cross really is the focal point of history, then I need this day to focus on it. Without the death of Jesus, there could be no resurrection and no reason to celebrate. Without His blood being shed, I would not be redeemed. So today, the cross is both focal point...and focus.

Too much April Fool

Just a quick post, for the wee hours of the morning. Yesterday, of course, was April Fool's Day. Aka, the day when you cannot believe anything you hear or see. Or, the day you drive yourself crazy second-guessing everything, suspecting everyone, and disbelieving everything you come across. It's usually a fun and funny day, but this year it was just exhausting. For many reasons...of course there are always many reasons...but one stands out to me. Not trusting anyone or anything is really very wearing. Always being on your guard and always suspecting that someone is trying to get the better of you is very wearing. And not being sure who holds the truth is most wearing of all.

But in thinking of all this, it made me so glad and so relieved to know that no matter who I have to suspect on this day, and even if I cannot trust anything anyone says to me, I still have a God who can always be trusted. No matter what I end up doubting, I have a firm and solid foundation to count on. No matter who is trying to trick me, there is one who never will. There is a hope to anchor our souls to...sure and steadfast. Grace to rest our hope on fully.

I apologize if this is very disjointed and sounds strange, it's the late night ramblings of one who should really be asleep!