and the train of his robe filled the temple...

Tonight I saw the most beautiful sunset that I have ever seen in my entire life.  I was going out in our backyard to let Hudson play when I caught a glimpse of the beauty in the sky.  I wanted to see this sunset take its final bow at the edge of the ocean.  So, I grabbed Hudson (who was only wearing a diaper) and I grabbed the keys and ran to the car.  We live 3 blocks from the beach so normally I would ride a bike or go for a walk, but I didn't want to miss the sun setting.  I didn't even put on shoes or grab a camera.

I decided to head to one of the beaches where I could easily park and get to the water as quick as possible.  On our way there, I couldn't help but notice the people walking outside along the street and yet, completely unaware of the beauty above them.  But, as soon as we got to the beach, it was a different story.

People stood still.

Hudson and I sat on the beach taking in the scene.  I noticed people had phones and cameras out trying to capture the beauty.  And I fought back the tears as my mind began to focus on the One who created this glorious scene.

This past Saturday night we heard the husband of one our friend's from college preach on Isaiah 40.  He talked about the attributes of God and we were reminded of His power and His indescribable glory.  Also, Trav and I have been reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan and the last chapter I read was talking about the throne room of God.  I was reminded about the verse in Isaiah 6:1 that says, "In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple."  After reading that chapter, I sat back and began day dreaming about what it would look like for the train of his robe to fill the temple.

I then began to think about how even Isaiah couldn't describe the vision he had of the glory of the Lord.  And then there was this sunset... and it was as if God was showing a vision of his indescribable glory.  I could try to tell you that the clouds filled the sky and there were bright pinks, reds, and oranges.   I could go on to tell you that the sea below looked iridescent and as though there was a pearly glass blanket on top of the sea sparkling as it reflected the sky.  I could tell you that no one who saw this moved because they didn't want to miss it.  I could tell you that I watched God's creation worship Him in the skies.  I could tell you that I was completely moved by our majestic God.

But, all of these words would fall short.  None of these words would give you a glimpse of the glory in the sky.  And to think, what I did see was just a glimpse of the glory of God.  God was reminding me that He is greater than I can even imagine.  He cannot be described.  I imagine this is how Isaiah must have felt.

I don't think I will ever forget tonight.  Sitting on the beach with my baby boy dressed only in his diaper watching a glorious show of our Creator.  I don't want to miss His glory.  I don't want to be like those who were walking along the street and never even noticed.  I don't want to live my life so "me" focused. I don't want my christian life to be about my life experience and have God fit into that.  I don't want to read the word of God thinking how does this verse apply to me, but instead read it thinking what does this verse say about God.  I want to fit into His plan.  I want to be a part of displaying His glory.  I want to tell others so they don't miss it.

I imagine tonight I saw a glimpse of the train of his robe.


Revelations 7:9-12
"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.  They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.  And they cried out in a loud voice:

'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'

All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures.  They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: 'Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!' "