St Oswald's Magazine StOM 1603 | Seite 4

Showing me His ability to control the land and command praise; well actually it is happening all of the time and I become aware of it at different times. This time I am reminded of this passage in Isaiah; Isaiah 55:12-13The Message bible “So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life. The mountains and hills will lead the parade, bursting with song. All the trees of the forest will join the procession, exuberant with applause. No more thistles, but giant sequoias, no more thorn bushes, but stately pines— Monuments to me, to God, living and lasting evidence of God.” It speaks about processions being exuberant with applause, just like the welcoming of Jesus as He rode on the donkey toward the gates of Jerusalem which we remember on Palm Sunday. Jesus was going to His death and He knew what was going to happen. But it was only through His death on the cross that life in its fullness could and would be revealed to the nation. His resurrection 3 days after death ensured for us all that the nasty thistles in life would turn into magnificent trees (a metaphor for the hardship of this life transforming into a great monument to God) We live in a post crucifixion era, we are privileged to know the great promise of eternal life, and if we chose to glorify God in this life that promise is ours to have, freely given in grace by God because He wants to be glorified. He created us to glorify Him. That is all He wants and ever wanted. Jesus died to take away the sin that holds each of us in darkness, keeping us hidden from the truth of eternal joy, and like the snow gleaming white on the mountains that are keeping me inspired today, He still shines out in an otherwise gloomy world. I wonder how God reminds you of His promises to you? How do you respond when He does? Do you realize that He cherishes you so very much that he will put on quite a show in heaven and earth just to ensure that you do remember Him? Blessings Lesley-ann StOM Page 4