Life On Tiptoes

When I was a child growing up in Macon Georgia, our family used to go downtown every year to watch the Christmas parade. I can remember vividly some parts of what I saw - the excitement of the marching bands, the hilarity of the Shriners and their little cars, and of course, Santa Claus, who always was the last float in the parade.

I can also remember trying hard to see around other people, knowing that something was coming that I absolutely did not want to miss. It's been a while since then, but I got that same feeling today when I was reading the 8th chapter in Romans. Verse 19 says, "The creation waits in eager anticipation for the sons of God to be revealed." The word behind the english translation "anticipation" has a sense of straining to see, or looking around and over barriers to see." So J.B. Phillips translated it this way:

"The whole creation is waiting on tiptoe to see the wonderful sight of God's sons and daughters coming into their own."

Isn't that awesome?

Yesterday was Earth Day, and all around there were people reminding us of our responsibility to care for God's creation. We were offered a tree at one store, asked if we wanted a bag for a book we purchased "or did we want to celebrate Earth day and forgo one?" People took time yesterday to think about how our actions affect this planet we share. That's a great thing that we should all do.

But the Bible says to take it further - much further.

All of creation has been affected by our fallen nature, and is waiting like a boy on tiptoes at a parade to see what will happen when Jesus returns for His children! Since the fall, despite our best efforts, mankind has never been in harmony with nature. So all creation is waiting.

And one day, Jesus will return and make all things new.

Oh, glory!

So friend, as long as you live, take care of what God has graced you with - His glorious creation. But know this - "no eye has seen, no mind has imagined, what God has in store for those who love Him."

Until then, live life on your tiptoes.

Grace and peace,

David