Round and About and So It Goes
Trending it is this “round about” topic of recycling. We consume to smithereens and are encouraged to get rid of that which we haven’t consumed in a way that is respectful. What does that word mean—smithereens? According to my search engine, “it implies being shattered into many small bits—tiny fragments from smashing.” In other words, that which has not only been broken, but broken to bits!
This reminds me of every dump or dumpster I’ve ever visited. Junk all over the place! Stuff goes right on out the door and into piles beyond measure. You get the picture.
Our oldest once took a ministry trip to a country in the southern hemisphere. One of their points of outreach included a dump outside a large city. The busload was eager to encourage the discouraged. Those who lived in the dump, sorted their way through life by scavenging anything of value in order to help their family survive. In our area, we call it Dumpster Diving but it’s more of a sport than a survival technique.
Once, my husband was about to plop our garbage into a dumpster. As he opened the lid, two people made their way to the top and greeted him with a look of surprise. Not sure what the rest of the story was but I do know he educated them about the dangers of what could have happened had he not seen them.
Long before recycling was in vogue, a triangular shape had been drawn. Fun part is, the triangle I’m speaking of, still speaks today—shedding smithereens of love. You know it well this love that has been recycled from the top down. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three in One, continues to pour out and has poured out throughout all of salvation history.
The smithereens of love God pours out are reflected in the words of Stuart Townend’s song, “How Deep the Father’s Love.”
How deep the Father’s love for us—how vast beyond all measure.
That He should give His only Son—to make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss—the Father turns His face away.
As wounds which mar the Chosen One—bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross—my sin upon His shoulders.
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice—call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there—until it was accomplished.
His dying breath has brought me life—I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything—no gifts no power no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ—His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from his reward—I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart—His wounds have paid my ransom.
After the Father sent the Son, and after the Son was crucified and rose from the dead, the Holy Spirit entered in to accomplish the directive given in Matt. 28:18-19. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…”
When we notice the arrowed triangle upon items needing to be recycled, may it remind us of the first triangle of love. May the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit three in One continue to pour into us so that we may continue to pour into others. Amen.