Chapel of Faith

Landscape

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

The lay of the land or topography. The brushstrokes of a piece of art or the scope of what the eye beholds. Call it what you may, the word landscape encompasses much.

Although these views have obvious characteristics, they possess specific natures which cannot be changed. The reality of Jesus Christ and his creation may be redefined by vocabulary and shifted by perception, but His fact and involvement in humanity will forever remain absolute.

Feelings drive the need to alter landscape. Although what feels good may not be readily accessible. It may be purposefully kept out of reach because socially the sacrifice not worthy of the immediate, limited personal satisfaction.

Individual gratification has no regard to facts, landscape or a permanent solution. The means never realize the deep desired end, so the rules must move direction and focus. Landscape must be constantly transformed to satisfy the longing of a need. The first obligation of every soul is not to find its freedom, but its master.

Superficial changes are easily altered but difficult to maintain. Settings can be switched but are not intended to be permanently removed. The world was created to function as a perfect structure and set in place in proper order. Jesus Christ came as the reasonable expectation that works from the inside out, He solidifies the inward workings by establishing foundational necessities.

He holds the outside in place and allows a logical existence and pursuit of what will never be understood by all but makes sense. If one insists on reforming what was never meant to be the result is a refinement in cruelty.

God holds nothing necessary as He loves us with an everlasting love. (Jer. 31:3). His love includes discipline that excludes those items that He knows are harmful. Many believe that all power and peace is found within themselves, although when you obey self, you are enslaved and become your own keepers. Unable and unwilling to escape.

Nature and origin cannot be misused without unintended consequences. The world was made beautiful and with unchangeable truth. Do not level God’s landscape, embrace the joy and peace found in belief and obedience.

Submitted by Pastor Dave Jagemann