The Gap
Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save,
nor his ear too dull to hear. Isaiah 59:1 (NIV)
In 1512, Michelangelo finished painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, now regarded as one of the world’s most famous art masterpieces. One particular scene, called “The Creation of Adam”, depicts Adam and God with arms outstretched toward each other.
In this scene, though the hands of God and Adam are close, a gap exists between their fingers. This “gap” is perhaps the most famous image of the entire ceiling.
I find this “gap” intriguing. What sort of communication is occurring between God and Adam? Can you imagine that moment? What did Adam see, feel, hear? Did God seem very close at creation, His very presence filling the atmosphere? How did that intimacy change when Adam and Eve sinned?
If I’m honest, I admit I’ve experienced occasions when I felt a “gap” between myself and God. Even in those times, in my heart I knew it was about my own distance, not God’s. Have you experienced this? Have you wondered if God hears you?
We are promised in Isaiah 59:1 that God’s arms reach us and His ears do hear. No “gap” is too large. No sin, circumstance, question, doubt, not even death — nothing – can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35, 38-39). God Himself bridged any and every gap with Christ.
Can you recall situations when God’s “arm” saved you, protected you, guided you? Write them down, and say a prayer of thanksgiving. If you are experiencing any “gaps”, tell God about it. Reflect on Romans 8:35, 38-39, the beautiful words of Psalm 103, and recount God’s promises and faithfulness.
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