The image in this post shows the pollution that comes from forest fires, spreading insidiously across the skies and infiltrating the fresh air to the east of it. This is what’s going on in our firmament here in Minnesota and has been for the last couple weeks. Add to that the lack of rain and you have air quality which leaves a lot to be desired.

Those of us with breathing issues are reaching for their rescue inhalers more frequently. Even those who have healthy lungs are having trouble. The clean air of outdoors has been clouded, polluted and engulfed with rancid, poisonous air. Wouldn’t it be great to fly like the birds to the space above the clouds where the cleanest, purest air exists?  The image of eagles soaring to extended heights – almost to heaven itself, can be beautifully exhilarating.  However, we don’t possess wings and our bodies aren’t made to fly.

There is a way to escape the ugly cloud that hangs over our nation right now and that’s to reach for God’s Word.  In those pages, you will find relief of all kind.  There are stories of people just like us, who faced difficult situations – who overcame the odds – who ran away, but came back – kings and servants – rich and poor -all equal in God’s eyes. When we obtain the freedom of forgiveness through baptism, the Lord’s Supper and His Holy Word, we too can reach heights we never thought possible.  The highest being a home waiting for us in eternity.

The world is full of pollution of all kinds.  Our own nation has drifted from God for the last few decades.  Morality has plummeted to new lows.  Signs of end times are everywhere.  We need to know that so much of what’s happening today has to do with our lack of faith in God.  We are not promised perfection once we become Christians. In fact, many times that’s when we face the most difficult challenges.

I pray for our nation.  I pray for our future generations.  I pray for all those who have lost track of God’s Word and I pray for myself, a sinner, washed clean by my Savior, Jesus.  What a breath of fresh air if we all just look heavenward.