Omipotence and orbits…bringing people together

Last summer we were visiting Orlando with our kids and my sister’s children.  We were staying at the All Star Disney Hotel in Disney properties.  With all of the fun that went on around that place, very few things could really get the attention of all the crowd at that hotel. 

One afternoon we were eating at the food court in the hotel when we noticed 50-60 people standing outside looking up in the air.  We stepped outside to see what was happening.  As we looked up over the building into the sky, we noticed that something amazing was taking place.  The U.S. space shuttle had taken off from Cape Canavral and was shooting high into the sky.  In the face of this mighty event, people from all around the grounds had gathered to watch the power and thrust of this powerful machine.  In fact, not only were people around those grounds gathering to watch, but people all over that part of Florida watched the Space Shuttle launch.

Imagine that…?  A variety of people from numerous races, backgrounds, and social classes stopped what they were doing to gather in a common location and view a common event.  People who did not even know each other were spellbound in viewing this breathtaking picture.  It is amazing what a powerful event or experience can do to bring people together and point them toward a common cause. 

And…if a large space ship shooting into the sky can so grip people as to bring them together in a common gaze, how much more can the mighty and majestic power of a magnificent God bring people together in a common gaze and common mission?  In Ephesians 3, by the end of the chapter, the Apostle Paul has elevated his speech to the hights of majesty, power, beauty, and eternality of the great, great God.  Once this greatness and might of God has been established, Paul then describes the impact on the church.

In Ephesians 4:1-6 Paul describes the beautiful attitude and ministry of the church as he says, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, ^with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; ^one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ^one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

Note the beauty of the attitude of the church as described by Paul.  It is a humble church, meek church, loving church, patient church, and church full of truth.  What, you may ask, can cause a church to be this rooted in truth and full of love for one another?  It seems that the church, in response to the greatness and magnificence of God, cannot help but express love for one another and a yieldedness to truth.

The conclusion of the matter is this.  If the people on vacation will stop everything to focus on a mutual scene of science, how much more will the people of God change everything when they truly see a great God?  I believe we know the answer to that.