Inches and Seconds

            In last summer’s Olympic Games, viewers were reminded that Roger Bannister was the first man to break the "four minute mile." Bannister ran less than 1% faster than anyone else had ever done.  Just a second or two made a difference.

            Many call football "a game of inches".  The referee’s spot of the ball can be the difference between a first down and the opposition receiving possession. Possession can mean the difference between victory and defeat. A few inches can make a difference.

            Little things make a difference.

            One of the biblical words we translate as “sin” can also be translated as "missing the mark.” We may be barely off God’s standard of holiness, but we are off. We gave righteousness a shot, and we missed. When it comes to the holiness of God, little things make a difference.

            No wonder we need a Savior.

Heavenly Sunlight

            Experimenting one day, the scientist Isaac Newton stared at the sun as reflected in a mirror. There were consequences for this action.

            The light from the sun bore into his retina; Newton went blind. He closeted himself off from the world for three days in total darkness. Yet, in his mind’s eye, he continually saw the intense mark of the sun.

            Had Newton stared just a few minutes more at the sun, he would have become everlastingly blind. As it was, it took a few days before his sight returned. The human eye is incapable of viewing unfiltered sunlight.

            Humanity is incapable of viewing the unfiltered light of God. Simply approaching it is threatening.

            God led his people into the wilderness. They tried to live with the Lord God in their presence. Only two survived.

            The more we see God, the bigger risk for our lives. We are wired for only so much. Surely God merits our reverence.

“…Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning? ” (Is. 33:14.)

Source: Philip Yancey, Disappointment With God, Zondervan, p. 74