How beautiful on the mountains are the feet ... (Isaiah 52:7)
A picture is worth a thousand words
My sister recently sent me a magnificent aurora photo that reminded me of the adage, 'A picture is worth a thousand words'. This photo turned out to be the perfect cover for a new booklet, 'Is God Beautiful?' The script was published online seven weeks ago and has already been read by thousands of online readers, but now, enhanced by this beautiful picture, I pray that many more people will ponder how “the heavens declare God's glory” and be inspired “to gaze on the beauty of the Lord.” (Psalm 19:1; 27:4)
Recent news stories explain that strong solar flares have made it possible for unprecedented numbers of people around the world to see spectacular displays of aurorae. But experts also warn* that there is danger behind this beauty, especially now that we've reached a peak in the 11-year cycle of solar flares. This means two things: On the one hand, we can expect these magnificent displays intermittently throughout the next year. On the other hand, these intense solar flares raise deep concern because our modern society is very vulnerable to outages involving the internet and electricity grid. Jesus warned that before he returns, “there will be strange signs in the sun (flares?), moon, and stars .... People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” (Luke 21:25-28)
As Christians we should make the most of the opportunity to share a reason for our hope. Almost everyone enjoys seeing the northern lights in all their glory so I've been sharing the booklet, 'Is God Beautiful?' Let me tell a few stories showing how I've sparked people's curiosity to explore these heart-warming insights.
The first experience happened at a grocery store. While paying the cashier for my groceries I asked if she had seen the northern lights. She acknowledged having seen them, but when I showed her the aurora picture on the cover of the booklet, she exclaimed, “That is so beautiful!” So I told her, "I wish I could give you this booklet but it's the only one I have right now." Then I explained, “It's at the printer and when I pick up the finished booklets I'll be happy to drop one off for you.” She thanked me and said, “If I'm not working when you come just leave it at that desk.”
Later that same day I had a similar conversation with a cashier at another store. I showed her the beautiful aurora picture on the cover of the book, explaining that my sister took this picture in her back yard a couple weeks ago. The cashier was utterly amazed and told me that her Mom has been trying for a long time to see the northern lights but finally decided to buy a plane ticket to Iceland where she could be sure to see the northern lights. I promised the cashier, “I'll bring you a copy of the book when I pick up the order from the printer!” She thanked me profusely and then asked politely if she could take a picture of my book cover using her phone!
Half an hour later as I arrived home I had another seed-sowing experience. I saw a neighbor coming into the lobby of our apartment building. We greeted each other and made small talk. Then I told her that I've been fascinated by many news stories showing beautiful displays of northern lights and I showed her a picture on my phone which is now on the cover of the booklet. She too was deeply impressed and I promised to give her a copy of the book. She replied, “I'll be glad to pay you whatever it costs.” When I told her it was just 50 cents she said, “I'll give you a dollar!”
These are fairly typical examples of how I am seeking to make the most of the opportunity in everyday routine encounters to engage people in seasoned with salt conversations. You probably noticed that this booklet begins by mentioning Muslim beliefs, but make no mistake, it is also an interesting and eye-opening read for non-Muslims. Here is a link to download the booklet as a pdf file. Note: This file is arranged for a double sided printout, folding and stapling the pages together. In electronic form the pages do not seem to be in the correct order. When feeding the sheets into the printer be careful to ensure they printout in the correct sequence.
After I saw so many people respond positively to the aurora picture my sister had sent me, I began to expect that virtually everyone would be open or curious to read my reflections on how such beautiful celestial scenes display God's glory, so I've been quite surprised over the last few days to find that several people to whom I showed this picture politely decline to accept my offer of the booklet. The fact is, telling people the truth about God and Jesus can be challenging, even though it is good news.
You and I shouldn't be surprised or deterred when people don't respond positively to the Good News. We need to remember that many people turned away from Jesus when he offered them God's free gift of eternal life, e.g. the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17ff) and similarly the nine lepers who were ungrateful after Jesus healed them (Luke 17).
Note also the 'user guide' (below) which contains insights to help Christians engage their neighbors in seasoned with salt conversation after they've read the booklet, Is God Beautiful?
User Guide
Here are a few questions which may help to stimulate meaningful conversation.
Did you find anything insightful or encouraging in this booklet? Please explain...
Was there anything thought-provoking or challenging? … Did it raise any questions you would like to explore? Explain ...
What do you think about how the booklet ends with a brain teaser/riddle challenging readers to shine like stars against the backdrop of a dark night sky?
This calls to mind another Scripture that also encourages true believers to shine like stars. The prophet Daniel foretold that the end times will be characterized by “greater anguish than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.” (Daniel 12:1-3. Jesus also predicted unprecedented suffering in the end times, see Mark 13:19.)
Notice how similar Daniel 12 is to Philippians 2. Both passages underscore the righteousness-innocence of true believers in contrast to the prevailing darkness around them. Notice also that the moral darkness in Philippians corresponds to a slightly different kind of darkness in Daniel 12 which involves intense suffering and distress.
Does it not seem as if there is more anguish and suffering in our world than there has been for a long time?
Speaking of the end times, notice how this booklet highlights several Bible passages which remind us that the world as we know it will come to an end and God will restore/renew all things as taught in Revelation 21, 22 and 2 Peter 3. Interestingly, secular scientists are worried about a possible fiery disaster, not unlike what the apostle Peter mentions in 2 Peter 3. They warn of intense solar flares behind the beautiful aurorae. This is appropriate considering that we've now reached a peak in the current 11-year solar cycle. (This peak began in mid-October 2024 and will last about one year). This 'solar maximum', as they call it, means two things: On the one hand, we can expect these magnificent displays intermittently throughout the next year. On the other hand, intense eruptions of solar flares raise deep concerns because our modern society is so vulnerable to outages involving the internet and electricity grids. Interestingly, Jesus warned that before he returns, “there will be strange signs in the sun (flares?), moon, and stars.... People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” (Luke 21:25-28)
Why do you think Scripture describes Jesus Christ as “the Lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world”?
The booklet notes that the term Lamb is mentioned 19 times in Revelation underscoring its importance, but sadly most people aren't familiar with the backstory. So you'll need to show from the Old Testament how sacrificial lambs were crucial to effecting deliverance, and ultimately, God's Messiah will bring salvation by dying sacrificially as the perfect Lamb. Muslims are somewhat familiar with the epic story involving Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God as seen in their annual celebration of Eid ul Adha. They even acknowledge that a ram was providentially provided as a substitute in place of his son, but the Qur'an makes no mention of Abraham's prophecy that God will provide the lamb.
Here are two helpful discussions exploring the Lamb theme. The first one is titled, The Mystery of Abraham's Sacrifice. The second is a chapter from John Gilchrist's book, Sharing the Gospel with Muslims: Isaac – The Reflection of the Father’s Love.
Footnote
* 'Are the Northern Lights Dangerous?'
* 'Something Happening on the Sun’: Solar surge burns up 3 satellites as scientists warn of escalating risks https://www.businesstoday.in/visualstories/news/something-happening-on-the-sun-solar-surge-burns-up-3-satellites-as-scientists-warn-of-escalating-risks-186371-13-11-2024