"Never Beyond Reach"

 

“Never Beyond Reach”

 

For many years comic books, cartoons, films and TV shows have featured “superheroes” whose actions are (to quote one description) “far beyond those of mortal men”. Some have remained popular for decades (Superman, Spiderman and Batman come to mind) while others had their brief time in the sun and have drifted into obscurity. One I remember from my grade school years is Plastic Man, created in 1941 by cartoonist Jack Cole. This crook-turned-good guy somehow acquired elasticity which enabled him to reach to extraordinary lengths to capture bad guys, giving new meaning to the term “the long arm of the law”.

While reading and reflecting on the Psalms recently I reread David’s familiar words in 139:7-10: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” This brought my mind back to my childhood recollection of Plastic Man. Just as criminals were never beyond his reach I’m never beyond the reach of “the long arm of the Lord”. This truth is at the same time comforting and terrifying—if I’m walking in His ways He’s there encouraging me but if I choose my own paths He’s ready to reach out and yank me back.

Remember Samson and Solomon? Both had been chosen by God as leaders of Israel but they got their eyes off Him and succumbed to the allurements of conniving women—read their tragic stories in Judges 16 and 1 Kings 11 respectively (and Solomon’s spiritual autobiography in Ecclesiastes). But in their final days God drew them back into fellowship with Himself. Just before God renewed his strength prior to his death Samson cried out, “O Sovereign Lord, remember me.” (Judges 16:28). And Solomon came to this conclusion: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of (mankind).” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Paul wrote in Romans 15:4, “…Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us….” Will I learn and profit from the experiences of others?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan