Traveler

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Chapter Three

Click here to read Chapter Two

DESCRIPTION

You are described
in many ways
and yet
we will never know
completely
You transcend
words and thought

REFLECTIONS

In the distance is an object that reflects sunlight. Colored rays stream out in every direction. It will take hours to get close enough to see what it is. This is not a problem as the journey has become more real and enjoyable by the minute. The pathway is the first thing that has ever fulfilled you. Your old life begins to fade with each forward step.

THE LAMB

The source of the brilliance is a large diamond. Carved into the surface of each facet is a description of God. The first engraved image is that of a lamb. It is a meek animal that was used as a sacrifice throughout the Old Testament. The lamb was the forerunner of the Messiah. There is an image on its forehead. It is Jesus.

THE ROSE

The rose symbolizes both beauty and pain. Its scent is not released until it has been crushed. A series of objects has been carved into the petals. There is a whip, a crown of thorns, three metal spikes and a Roman spear. An aroma fills the air. It is more beautiful than any you have ever known.

THE LION

The diamond is complex. You want to comprehend all of the facets at once. That is impossible. The lion is a powerful image. It represents strength, nobility and leadership. God is gentle, but He is not weak. He is slow to anger, but never passive. Look into the lion's eyes and see Christ on His knees in prayer.

WATER

God quenches the deepest thirst. The pure flow cleanses us of the debris that clings to our spirits. The mist from the fountain wets your face. You can actually reach into the diamond and drink from the well that was dug by the hands of the Father.

BREAD

All of us hunger on many levels. Some of the richest and most well-fed are starving to death. We have been designed for more than the sustenance of the physical body. Life is more that what you see, taste and touch. Money, power, fame, accomplishments, drugs, alcohol or sex without boundaries cannot feed the soul. The great gem reveals a truth that eliminates the starvation of the spirit. Christ is the bread of life.

CARPENTER

A simple hammer is engraved. Jesus spent his first 30 years in anonymity. As an adult he toiled at a blue-collar job. Only the last three years of His time here were used for ministry. He was one of us in many ways. His job was not easy. He dealt with long hours, hot summers and cold winters, just like we do. There was no shortcut to His destiny. For countless days he swung His hammer. A short time later the tool would be in someone else's hands and the direction of the world would be changed forever.

CORNERSTONE

Every stone used in construction must replicate the exact dimensions of the cornerstone. It is the perfect guide for quality work. Any changes can cause the integrity of the structure to be compromised. Jesus is the true cornerstone. There is only one. We will be measured against His standards. If not for grace and mercy, this would be a futile contrast.

SHEPHERD

A shepherd's staff is engraved. This symbolizes protection. Life is filled with danger. Sheep are helpless against bears, lions, wolves, wild dogs and the elements. A good shepherd will risk his life to protect his own flock. The very staff that is used as a weapon against predators is also used as a gentle guide for those who stray. God leads His sheep to green pastures and fresh pools of water. Without Him we would surely die. There are many more facets to view, but it is time to move on.

posted by Unknown  # 8:07 PM

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