Pastor's Corner

October, 2002

While we were on vacation, my family and I went to a National Wildlife Refuge Complex with an old lighthouse in Kauai, Hawaii. After a short walk, we were at the coastline of the Pacific Ocean overlooking the abundance of different wildlife—birds, seals, and plants.

It was a clear and sunny day. I was able to see far away to the horizon where the ocean and the sky meet. Every wave that crashed on the cliff appeared to be the same, yet they were all unique. The clashing sound from the waves caused me to respect the mighty power of the ocean. Standing by the fence looking at the scenery, I reflected on God’s awesome creation. What I saw was only a minute part of the vast universe He bara (a Hebrew word which means to make something out of nothing, only used with regard to God). I remember what the Psalmist said, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Ps. 19:1) At that particular moment, the “silent” proclamation of God’s greatness spoke to me. I worshipped Him right there in my heart.

Then I saw a few dolphins swim above and below the water, and, after a few minutes, disappeared out of sight. Nature itself is enough to declare the glory of God, and with the living creatures He bara that move gracefully around added to the beauty of God’s creation. When I looked up, I noticed a White-tailed Tropicbird flying solo in the sky. It looked so peaceful. It sure gave me the feeling the bird was enjoying itself as much as I enjoyed watching it. For a moment, I thought the bird was putting on a show just for me, and it helped me to think about God. I thought we, as Christians, are very much like that bird. The purpose of our existence as Christians in this world is to help people appreciate God. Like the bird flying over the sky caused me to reflect on God’s glory, our serving to Him should also help others to praise God. We don’t parade our own beauty, but that of God. That is our ultimate purpose in life.

After several minutes of flying alone, other comrades joined in. It gave a fuller picture of the sky. Suddenly I saw a bigger bird fly up the sky. It was a Great Frigatebird, with a wingspan of seven feet lifting a four-pound body. Most birds that migrant there dive in the ocean to catch fish as food, with the exception of the Great Frigatebird because their legs are too short and weak to take off from the water. Instead, with their size, they force other birds to drop their food—earning its Hawaiian name ‘iwa or “thief.” Like the Great Frigatebird, many things in life or even people around us try to rob us of what we are supposed to do—draw people to God. The only way from falling prey to this robbery is to hold tight to the spiritual food in our mouth, just as the Psalmist said, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Ps. 19:14)

Before I sign off, I pray that you will consider joining in the flight to reflect God’s glory because He has bara a pure heart in you.