Photo and Commentary (c)2023 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, December 6, 2023

On a recent flight back to Seattle, I was able to capture this image. It’s not the best image I’ve ever taken but it does give a glimpse of the view from around 30,000 feet. As you can see, the view at this moment was of Mt. Rainier, as we were heading Northwest towards Sea-Tac airport.

High above the clouds and the ground, I thought of God’s view of us. When we think of the Old Testament stories, we are reminded of how God was watching from above, overseeing what was going on. Only Moses was able to ascend a mountain, to come close to God. All other interactions had God WAY up there and sinful humans WAY down here.

When Jesus became human, He came from a very lofty spot to mingle with the riff raff. What a sacrifice. We know His ultimate sacrifice was to take the burden of all our sins – past, present, and future (thankfully), die on a wooden cross, and go back to His Father to intercede on our behalf. The ultimate sacrifice and ultimate gift, all wrapped into one.

John 3:16 says it all:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

I know you have heard the verse a few times before, but humor me, read it again and let the words sink in. (I’ll wait). He gave, so we could have everlasting life, by believing. Period. Us. The riff raff, way down here. Thank you, God!

I accept the gift and I certainly hope you do as well!