Friday, March 10, 2017

The Byzantine Mosaic and the God Who Will Not Be Denied


The castle at Ajloun is an impressive structure. It's a Muslim castle, built on Salahuddin's command in the early 12th century in an attempt to stop the expansion of Crusader territory. Two earthquakes have caused damage to it, but most of the structure is still standing.

It's built on the remains of a Byzantine monastery and an impressive tile mosaic is still visible in one of the naves. Five loaves and two fishes make up the design.

The longer I've pondered this, the more I'm moved by the irony of it. In the heart of a fortress designed to prevent the spread of Christianity is a floor mosaic that celebrates the miraculous power of the One they intended to stop.

It's a reminder to me that, no matter how we try, we can never outrun or escape the presence of God. We can deny Him all we want, but His truth remains. 

He's as real as the breath in our lungs, for He's the One who put that breath in us. 

He's as real as the stars, for He hung them in place and keeps them there.


"Where can I go from Thy Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Thy presence?
If I ascend to heaven, Thou art there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, Thou art there."
Psalm 139:7-8 nasb

Today, let's look for evidence of our Lord all around us. In nature. In our fellow man. In the circumstances of our day. Be sure to celebrate our God who is not just present, but inescapable.
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I'm writing from Jordan, where I'm serving through intercession and encouragement with a Global Outreach team as we serve at a Worldwide Missions Conference. We'd appreciate your prayers. Team members will be arriving today and I'll be setting up a conference prayer room.
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In case you missed yesterday's post, here's the link: Where the Moon Stopped
This ministry is so much more than a blog. Speaking. Teaching. Hands-on outreach. Connecting with and encouraging missionaries around the world. It's only possible because of the generosity of your support. 

Together, we're making progress, but help is still needed. (I don't get a salary until this ministry is funded) If God has called you to help, here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 or you can mail your check or money order to:
Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

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