Orion the Hunter
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Isaiah 57:15 NIV
For this is what the high and lofty One says--he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Another translation of this verse replaces ‘forever’ with ‘lives in eternity’. Eternity indicates prior to the present and into the future. I think of forever as indicating only the future. OK. Maybe I’ve been writing too many key-word rich articles lately! The whole point is, though, that the same God who made all of creation and existed before time itself, takes notice of me and of you and of each of us, every moment of our lives.
More than merely notice us, He thought of us, planned when and where and how we would be born; and He guards each instant of our existence with loving care. I think He tells Isaiah that He lives in a high and holy place, not to remind us of the distance between us, but of His power and ability to dwell with us in our lives. Only a being capable of creation could also be all-present—at all times and in every place at every moment. Contrite means being remorseful for our sins. Even then, actually, especially then, is God with us.
When I met my buddy to walk this morning at 5:30 the sky was so clear we could see the stars shining brightly. They were a beautiful sight against the slate blue sky. This was one time I’m glad we don’t have street lights in our neighborhood. As is often the case, I don’t remember when it became light – probably not until I got home and came out to my study. My point is God has all that worked out with no need for me to manage it or attempt to orchestrate it. My buddy and I only need to show up, and take note of His handiwork. The rest is in His hands.
Our pause to look up at the stars and our awe at their placement in the sky is natural for us both as we are nature lovers. Being writers, we also both tend to think in poetic terms. My dad taught me all the constellations when I was young, and I taught many of them to my children, especially my son. I don’t remember too many of them now, but I have always loved Orion the Hunter. He is prominent in the sky in my part of the world through every season. When I see Him I am reminded of the ‘whole armor of God’ [Ephesians 6:13]. I also think of God, “up there” in the sky, always present, ever seeing, guarding and protecting his people.
Isn’t it just too much to grasp that the same God who made each star and placed it just so in the sky, is the God who stoops to comfort and encourage and sustain us when we are contrite?
My prayer today is that you approach God with a contrite heart and lowly spirit. And that you rejoice in His greatness and mercy.
Mary
