God Pops Out

By Peter Lundell –

I had the privilege of visiting St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest continually occupied settlement in America. As I walked the narrow streets, ogling the quaint buildings, I came upon the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine. What on earth? Weird. I kept walking. Then stopped. If it’s weird, I should check it out.

It was a fancy—really fancy—shrine to glorify a guy in the early Greek settlement years. Not interested. On my way out I looked at some historic photos then turned around and froze. Before me in big letters sticking out from the wall, about twelve feet wide and six feet high was the Nicene Creed. It was not boring.

I’m so used to the Apostle’s Creed that the different and expanded wording of the Nicene Creed grabbed my attention. And knowing the history and theology behind every word, I read slowly and carefully.“I believe in One God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible . . . Jesus Christ . . . begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God . . . and He shall come again, with glory . . . whose Kingdom shall have no end . . . the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life . . .”

The meaning of the creed came to forceful life.

I began to weep—stopped after every phrase, sensed the presence of God all over. I felt as if I encountered not just God but the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In front of me. The Creator of the Universe.

He is all around us, usually unnoticed but sometimes overwhelming.

Finally I shuffled away, speechless. Full of joy. Awed at the God who shows up without itinerary to intersect my earthly world and stop me. Who in all His omnipotent glory doesn’t zap me but loves me despite myself. Loves me because of who He is.

I encourage you: Expect things like this in your life. You can’t plan them, but you can live in anticipation. God responds to that attitude of faith. And when you might least expect it, He is there. And He may blow you away.

Nicene Creed:
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.

Who, for us men for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father [and the Son]; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.

And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.