The Smoking Volcano
A few days ago, while in Nicaragua, I visited the Masaya volcano. When we reached the top, we found ourselves looking into an awesome crater. The geological configurations were incredible. From the top, we could see for miles around. But, what I didn’t realize until we got there was that, this volcano is active. When we looked down from the rim into the volcano, we could see smoke rising from within it. Within a short time we realized that smoke and smell of sulfur were permeating the air, making it difficult to breathe. After about fifteen minutes we had to leave because of the sensation of the sulfur and smoke getting into our lungs. Even after an hour or more, the affects of the smoke continued to linger in our lungs. The awesomeness of the view and of the volcano itself were overshadowed by the terrible affects of it had upon our breathing.
That volcano has become for me a picture of what life is like not only for so many of the people whom we met in Nicaragua, but for so many people around the world. So much of our world—and our lives—are like that volcano. We experience awe-inspiring views, beauty that is at times difficult to describe, moments that leave us filled with wonder. Yet, there is a “smoke” that permeates the air. The difficulties and desperation of life on this earth are all around us. For all the beauty of our world, we cannot ignore the fact that there are millions who are living in poverty—physically and spiritually. And, if we are at all sensitive, the affects of that “smoke” linger in our hearts and minds, hopefully moving us to some sort of action.
The Bible says, “When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36—NIV) Jesus could not remain untouched by plight of the crowds. He could not ignore the pain of those around him. He could not ignore the “smoke.” Rather, his heart was moved towards those in need. He had to reach out to them and do something to change their lives. Yes, he enjoyed the beauty and wonder of this life. But, he also knew what it meant to sorrow over the difficulties of someone else’s life—to feel the affect of the “smoke” of this world deep within his being.
May God help us to be like our Savior. Yes, we want to enjoy the wonders and beauty of this world that God has given to us. At the same time, however, may we know what it is like to feel the pain of someone else’s desperation, poverty, and hopelessness. And, may God use us to bring healing and new hope—to clear the air of the “smoke” that at times makes it so difficult to breathe.
Have a great day!
-Pastor Tim Harris
That volcano has become for me a picture of what life is like not only for so many of the people whom we met in Nicaragua, but for so many people around the world. So much of our world—and our lives—are like that volcano. We experience awe-inspiring views, beauty that is at times difficult to describe, moments that leave us filled with wonder. Yet, there is a “smoke” that permeates the air. The difficulties and desperation of life on this earth are all around us. For all the beauty of our world, we cannot ignore the fact that there are millions who are living in poverty—physically and spiritually. And, if we are at all sensitive, the affects of that “smoke” linger in our hearts and minds, hopefully moving us to some sort of action.
The Bible says, “When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36—NIV) Jesus could not remain untouched by plight of the crowds. He could not ignore the pain of those around him. He could not ignore the “smoke.” Rather, his heart was moved towards those in need. He had to reach out to them and do something to change their lives. Yes, he enjoyed the beauty and wonder of this life. But, he also knew what it meant to sorrow over the difficulties of someone else’s life—to feel the affect of the “smoke” of this world deep within his being.
May God help us to be like our Savior. Yes, we want to enjoy the wonders and beauty of this world that God has given to us. At the same time, however, may we know what it is like to feel the pain of someone else’s desperation, poverty, and hopelessness. And, may God use us to bring healing and new hope—to clear the air of the “smoke” that at times makes it so difficult to breathe.
Have a great day!
-Pastor Tim Harris
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