Good morning…
A “crystal ball” is defined as a glass orb used by fortune-tellers and mystics in popular culture to see into the future. By extension, “looking into a crystal ball” means seeking to predict future events. Broadening the concept further, “looking into God’s crystal ball” means that we see ourselves as an integral part of the glorious future God is orchestrating. As we set our sights toward the fertile future of this day and the next and the next, the way we respond to the unpredictability of now brings God’s loving presence alive to the watching world.
We are God’s love letters to all who feel unsettled, untethered, uncertain today. We, ourselves, …are living letters written by Christ, not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God—not carved onto stone tablets but on the tablets of tender hearts. We carry this confidence in our hearts because of our union with Christ before God. Yet we don’t see ourselves as capable enough to do anything in our own strength, for our true competence flows from God’s empowering presence. He alone makes us adequate ministers who are focused on an entirely new covenant. Our ministry is not based on the letter of the law but through the power of the Spirit. The letter of the law kills, but the Spirit pours out life (2 Corinthians 3:3-6, TPT).
As we look back at our history as God-followers we see our growing maturity. Even the ministry that was characterized by chiseled letters on stone tablets came with a dazzling measure of glory, though it produced death. The Israelites couldn’t bear to gaze on the glowing face of Moses because of the radiant splendor shining from his countenance—a glory destined to fade away. Yet how much more radiant is this new and glorious ministry of the Spirit that shines from us! (2 Corinthians 3:7-8, TPT). The new, glorious ministry of the Holy Spirit shining in us today and each day is a radiant ministry destined never to fade as we head together into God’s expansive future.
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely (Galatians 5:22-23, MSG).
As we look into God’s crystal ball, we see an unfading future of affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We are grounded by a willingness to commit wholeheartedly, to be filled with compassion and a conviction that God’s living presence permeates all things and all people. As the Christ-in-us organically grows, we do not need to force our own way, instead we trust the LORD to direct our energies wisely today, tomorrow, and every day that follows.
What do I see reflected in God’s crystal ball? Serenity. Compassion. Trust in the LORD who gently shines, unfading, through all of us. Both now and forevermore.
What do you see as you look into the future God is orchestrating among us?
…Sue…
