LightGrams
February 18, 2021
Volume 25, Number 7
An interesting story came from Helsinki, Finland a few days ago. 11 volunteers under the guidance of amateur artist Janne Pyykko strapped on their snowshoes at a snow-covered golf course. Over the next two days they walked according to a planned route – but never left the golf course.
The result of their two days of snowshoeing is a complex series of geometric designs that is best appreciated from above. Covering an area of over 525 feet in diameter, there is a starfish-shaped pattern in the center surrounded by six enormous snowflakes. Photos show a drawing that could seemingly only be completed on a computer screen.
Each of us has a footprint, and when they’re added together they form patterns. Not long ago I learned about a tracking feature on my cell phone that keeps a record of the places I visit. When I tap, for example, on my hometown a map appears with points I’ve visited in the last three months. (I’m fine with that; I’ve not been anywhere I shouldn’t have been.) Many are unhappy, though, with such “privacy invasions”.
The most wonderful pattern of footprints belongs to Jesus. 1 Peter 2:21 mentions this fact: “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” Follow His steps – can we really see indentions He made in the soil of Palestine that would indicate where to go?
Literal footprints of Jesus have not survived the millennia, but records of His activities and character are available for us to examine. One example is found in John 13 where Jesus washed the feet of His apostles. After completing that astonishing deed Jesus commented: “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15). Jesus valued humble service, and so should we.
How should Christians live? Paul answered that in Colossians 3:3,4a: “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears …” The Christian has died to sin, buried that old nature in baptism (Colossians 2:11,12), and begins a new life “hidden with Christ”. Christ becomes our life.
In Galatians 2:20 Paul wrote again about our life: “… it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God.” As we take up our crosses, we follow Christ (Matthew 16:24). We carefully observe the things He did, the people He served, and the Father to Whom He prayed. We walk in the steps of God’s Son.
Christians who walk in Jesus’ footsteps will be observed by others. They will “see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). What beautiful patterns!
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2021, Timothy D. Hall. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New King James Version (Copyright, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc.).
“LightGrams” is produced by the Central Church of Christ, 2722 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601, and is written by Tim Hall, minister. It is sent free of charge every Thursday to all who request it. To subscribe or to receive more information, write to “[email protected]” (our E-mail address), to the U.S. mail address above, or call (423) 282-1571.
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