God's Reach To You
The Creation of Man - A Part of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo
This painting by Michelangelo is just a small section of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. But when isolated as we see it there is a special message for every man. There is an urgency and intensity in this scene as we see God surrounded by angels in Heaven reaching out to give life to man whom he has created in his image.
God is reaching out while the angels appear to be stabilizing and holding him. Their eyes are focused where God is looking -- at man. God's arm is fully outstretched with his index finger totally extended so as to reach man. Only a tiny gap separates the touch.
In the left and middle of this ceiling section is a hand -- a limp, weak hand that appears to hardly be able to reach out and touch the hand of God. But, all of Heaven supports God in his determination to give life to man. God will make the reach to us even if we can do no more than raise a limp finger.
God's ability to impart his strength and energy and love is not impeded by our weakness and inability and sin. He is determined to reach out and touch us. He crosses the Heavenly divide (symbolized by the circle of red behind God and his angels) and penetrates into man's earth.
Do you want a touch from God? Do you want his love and life energizing your life? Then just put out your finger and let him touch it. Make a tiny move towards him and he'll meet you more than half way. His eyes are "going to and fro over all the earth looking for someone whom he can show his might in behalf of."
(2 Chronicles 16:9)