Jigsaw Apologists
A compelling story shared…
can give us hope and/or inspire us. But over time, doubts may creep in, and we ponder whether this story is true or a fable.
This will require some investigative work to bolster our faith. And the most compelling story we can ever investigate is knowing God and trusting in His love.
BUT… this will require some work on our part. Hollywood will NOT fill in the gaps of knowing God.
Not even watching Charlton Heston in The Ten Commandments will replace the value of opening up our Bibles and reading good Bible resources like ‘Knowing God’ by JI Packer to seek and know God.
MAYBE IT GOES HERE… OR NOT
Every year, my wife and I like to assemble a maybe 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. We start by turning all the pieces face up, then locating and assembling the edge pieces.
Next, we group pieces by color, pattern, and shape.
This is not an exact jigsaw puzzle of science, but it is how we roll.
After many hours/days and snacks,
we have the satisfaction of the fully assembled picture that looks just like the one on the puzzle box.
(hopefully with no missing pieces)
So, back to the 'God puzzle' of Biblical proportions.
We cannot fully comprehend God through a single compelling Sunday sermon. This puzzle of God will take a lifetime of prayer and study that will not be complete until… someday in Heaven.
But it is worth it.
This puzzle for humanity starts in Genesis 1:1 . In the beginning God created, and ends in the prophetic book of Revelation.
In between, we find the story of God's love and providence, including..
God blesses and leads obedient (but flawed) men of faith like Adam, Noah, Job, Abraham, Moses, David, and many more.
prophetic words, like in Isaiah 53, foretold the coming Messiah 700 years before Jesus was born.
The Gospels share Jesus’ life on Earth. Jesus lived, died, and rose again for our salvation as the prophets foretold.
The book of Acts shares stories of the early church.
This is followed by the teachings to the church by Paul, James, Peter, and John, all leading to Revelation.
In Revelation, the end times are prophesied, including the promise of Heaven for all who love and are obedient to God.
ALL THIS is, and more, is a part of God's Plan and the most worthy puzzle to assemble.
But Puzzler Beware:
Just like with a jigsaw puzzle, while learning about God, we will find pieces that seem out of place, and even swear there must be missing pieces.
But in time, we come to understand His mysteries better and find that everything is where it should be.
Also note that God designed this puzzle; we did not. Isaiah 55:8-9, designing this puzzle is above our pay grade.
So, whether you like jigsaw puzzles or not, I would encourage everyone to take this puzzle of knowing better our amazing God, the creator of this world, who loves each of us. Do not be distracted by the other puzzles and distractions of this world.
What greater pursuit is there? And know.. You will not be bored.
Jigsaw blessings,
Jeff (often a puzzled look on his face) Larson
