freeborn | ελεύθερος on Nostr: I really enjoyed responding--and was sharpened by a closer look at that one ...
I really enjoyed responding--and was sharpened by a closer look at that one particular verse (Eph. 4:6) than I think I'd done before. So: thank you, too.
I think the best answer is that the glory of a sunrise (or sunset) is magnified when we realize that it "speaks." It is a gift for us, and is wonderful in itself, and yet it speaks of an even greater glory. I think of Psalm 19. God is not the created light, or the created heat, but when we see the light and feel the heat it is as from his direct hand, and gives something true about him even if only by way of analogy. We can be thankful for both the gift, and the giver. I think in those situations, God is not necessarily "more present" -- he is always present everywhere -- but we are given a greater sense of his presence, like a veil is lifted a bit more. E.g., the armies of heaven were with Elisha all along, but he was granted to see/experience it for a moment (2 Kings 6).
So, I'm not sure I would use the word 'reflection,' though I think I see what you're getting at. I think I'd prefer the word 'messenger.' There is volition involved in God's creating the heavens and earth _in order to_ show his glory. Created beauty is a servant-messenger to the Creator, and is dependent on him. It is not (to expressly push back on pantheistic ideas) merely an emanation from his essence, nor part of his being, that 'just is.' He reveals what he wills about himself, when and where and how he, in his wisdom, so chooses. "The secret things belong to the Lord, but what he has revealed belongs to us, and to our children, forever." (Deut. 29:29).
If I'm away for a while, and my wife sends me a letter--I see her handwriting, I read her 'heart' and 'mind' (or whatever of it she has chosen to open to me in this moment), maybe there's even a faint whiff of her perfume--I do not have _her_ but I have clear evidence of her: I have many signs that 'point' to her, even though she is not physically present. (Even if she were, could I 'see' her love without her expressions of it--unless she speaks it, reveals it?) I think there's some analogy in that (though it does break down a bit because she, unlike God, is not omnipresent)...
But all that said: I certainly agree that in a majestic sunrise or sunset my mind is more fixed on the God who created that, for us, as a gift, and especially as a gift that gives some 'whiff' or 'hint' of his greater glory--into whose presence we (though enemies) are welcomed, by grace along, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
"...in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever more." (Ps. 16:11).
Hope that gets at your question somewhat. (I am not gifted with concise-ness, sorry so long.)
I think the best answer is that the glory of a sunrise (or sunset) is magnified when we realize that it "speaks." It is a gift for us, and is wonderful in itself, and yet it speaks of an even greater glory. I think of Psalm 19. God is not the created light, or the created heat, but when we see the light and feel the heat it is as from his direct hand, and gives something true about him even if only by way of analogy. We can be thankful for both the gift, and the giver. I think in those situations, God is not necessarily "more present" -- he is always present everywhere -- but we are given a greater sense of his presence, like a veil is lifted a bit more. E.g., the armies of heaven were with Elisha all along, but he was granted to see/experience it for a moment (2 Kings 6).
So, I'm not sure I would use the word 'reflection,' though I think I see what you're getting at. I think I'd prefer the word 'messenger.' There is volition involved in God's creating the heavens and earth _in order to_ show his glory. Created beauty is a servant-messenger to the Creator, and is dependent on him. It is not (to expressly push back on pantheistic ideas) merely an emanation from his essence, nor part of his being, that 'just is.' He reveals what he wills about himself, when and where and how he, in his wisdom, so chooses. "The secret things belong to the Lord, but what he has revealed belongs to us, and to our children, forever." (Deut. 29:29).
If I'm away for a while, and my wife sends me a letter--I see her handwriting, I read her 'heart' and 'mind' (or whatever of it she has chosen to open to me in this moment), maybe there's even a faint whiff of her perfume--I do not have _her_ but I have clear evidence of her: I have many signs that 'point' to her, even though she is not physically present. (Even if she were, could I 'see' her love without her expressions of it--unless she speaks it, reveals it?) I think there's some analogy in that (though it does break down a bit because she, unlike God, is not omnipresent)...
But all that said: I certainly agree that in a majestic sunrise or sunset my mind is more fixed on the God who created that, for us, as a gift, and especially as a gift that gives some 'whiff' or 'hint' of his greater glory--into whose presence we (though enemies) are welcomed, by grace along, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
"...in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever more." (Ps. 16:11).
Hope that gets at your question somewhat. (I am not gifted with concise-ness, sorry so long.)