The "Enhanced" Scale
If you have tuned into the news this morning, you have no doubt heard about the tornadoes that ravaged Florida overnight. I am watching because my son, daughter-in-law and three grandsons live between Tampa and Orlando, just 25 miles south of where the tornadoes struck. An early morning phonecall verifies they are safe and I am grateful. Yet, I continue to watch, knowing there are other mothers and fathers still waiting for news of their loved ones, and they are in my prayers.
The news anchors are talking about the sheer force of these tornadoes. Tornadoes are rated on the Fujida scale. In 1970 a tornado hit Lubbock, TX, levelling much of the city. Because of this event, a japanese researcher named Ted Fujida developed a scale to rate the severity of tornados. (The 1970 Lubbock tornado was the first F-5). The scale is based on wind speed, and has given birth to early detection warning systems and many other safeguards regarding this sort of storm. This morning, the news reports that the scale has changed, enhanced, if you will. What used to be an F3 is now and F4. The entire scale has been upgraded.
Isn't it amazing that the standards set by the world can be and are, changed at the seeming drop of a hat? The movie rating scale is a good example. What used to be considered "R" rated is now "PG" or "PG-13". You know what I mean, it happens all the time and it makes it very difficult for consumers to know what they are getting. The Enhanced Fujida Scale may increase the expectations of some while others may say, "Oh, it won't be that bad, it is really only a . . . "
I am ever thankful that we live by a standard, we follow a scale, that does not change. God created us and He set a standard of behavior for us. We live in a society, at war with Satan, who is pulling out all stops in an attempt to "dumb down" the standard. The fact is, we did not design the standard and we have no authority to change it. God is God and we are not. He gets to decide what behaviors please Him. He gets to set the standards for His creation whom He made, redeemed and loved. It is His job. He already measures us by the Enhanced Scale. Hebrews 10:1b "For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship." It was enhanced by the blood of His Son, which washes away our sins and allows us to be presented to Him, holy and blameless. Hebrews 10:10 "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all." Pretty cool, huh?
Neva
Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord."
The news anchors are talking about the sheer force of these tornadoes. Tornadoes are rated on the Fujida scale. In 1970 a tornado hit Lubbock, TX, levelling much of the city. Because of this event, a japanese researcher named Ted Fujida developed a scale to rate the severity of tornados. (The 1970 Lubbock tornado was the first F-5). The scale is based on wind speed, and has given birth to early detection warning systems and many other safeguards regarding this sort of storm. This morning, the news reports that the scale has changed, enhanced, if you will. What used to be an F3 is now and F4. The entire scale has been upgraded.
Isn't it amazing that the standards set by the world can be and are, changed at the seeming drop of a hat? The movie rating scale is a good example. What used to be considered "R" rated is now "PG" or "PG-13". You know what I mean, it happens all the time and it makes it very difficult for consumers to know what they are getting. The Enhanced Fujida Scale may increase the expectations of some while others may say, "Oh, it won't be that bad, it is really only a . . . "
I am ever thankful that we live by a standard, we follow a scale, that does not change. God created us and He set a standard of behavior for us. We live in a society, at war with Satan, who is pulling out all stops in an attempt to "dumb down" the standard. The fact is, we did not design the standard and we have no authority to change it. God is God and we are not. He gets to decide what behaviors please Him. He gets to set the standards for His creation whom He made, redeemed and loved. It is His job. He already measures us by the Enhanced Scale. Hebrews 10:1b "For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship." It was enhanced by the blood of His Son, which washes away our sins and allows us to be presented to Him, holy and blameless. Hebrews 10:10 "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all." Pretty cool, huh?
Neva
Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord."
posted by Neva | 9:37 AM
9 Comments:
Loved the post. I think we live by the ignorance is bliss theory and so we dont even study to find out what God's standard is. Too bad.
Keep preaching, sister
Dan
At first, I thought you were going to talk about your scale to measure weight being enhanced. I am glad you went a different direction. Wonder what an F5 in church work would represent?
Kathy
I know a woman who sings "Jesus Loves Me" every time she is frustrated and sometimes when she finds herself in the midst of some unchristian behavior. I have thought about this for some time. I think she and I need to sing "More Holiness Give Me" rather than focusing on the grace of Jesus. Yes Jesus Loves Me but what do I do with that information? I think we are sometimes tempted to be satisfied with our scale rather than looking at God's.
James
Praise God for the "enhancing"
Good post
Jean
Loved it, not as good as your lesson last weekend but still good.
Rachel
Enjoyed the post. Good comments.
You always make me think
Karli
Good Post Neva!
Great thoughts on "enhancing" the scale! You are so right.
Loved it.
Love you
The new Pat enhanced by the blood of Jesus
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