Beautiful and Breathtaking

What the PNW Has Taught Me about Jesus.

Crater Lake in Southern Oregon

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3

Unfortunately, we often associate holiness with a lack of sinful behaviors, which isn’t wrong, but that’s not even the half of it. Holiness is a uniquely attractive perfection of God’s character. His impressiveness and grandeur. The Scriptures speak of the beautiful splendor of His holiness (1 Chronicles 16:29), a quality that’s meant to inspire worship from God’s people.

Even better, the beauty of God’s holiness is revealed chiefly through His love. Nothing is more unique to God’s being than His love, as we’re reminded in 1 John 4:7-8. There is no more impressive bond of affection, nothing more singular, set apart, or “holy,” if you will, than God’s life-changing love for you.

It’s meant to be beautiful and breathtaking.

So, why do so many Christians, let alone people in general, miss this godly beauty? Why doesn’t the allure of God’s love captivate more hearts? I think it’s because the experience is so often mediated.

The picture of Crater Lake above is gorgeous, but it’s nothing compared to the real thing. So often, we want to show people pictures of God when what they need is God’s self, especially when they’re hard pressed. Fortunately, God has sent His Spirit to do just that, to radically and personally disclose God’s love within circumstances that would otherwise call that very love into question (Romans 5:1-5).

As a pastor, I must stop showing people pictures of God and instead simply help them open the door and invite Him in.