Sermon On The Jigsaw Connection

Diane McLaren, a Canadian-born nutritionist, iridologist and wellness coach once remarked: “Nature has given us all the pieces required to achieve exceptional wellness and health, but has left it to us to put these pieces together.” Isaiah 40:22 reminds us: “It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in.”

A jigsaw puzzle is defined as a picture or etching, usually portraying an item of interest, embossed onto cardboard or wood and cut into various pieces of differing shapes and sizes that are purposefully and befittingly joined together. It is considered as a time-consuming, but stress-relieving therapy or appropriate for relaxation purposes which may also be of significant benefit in other aspects of life. Life can be simulated to a giant jigsaw puzzle with often, several hundred pieces making up the overall concept. Each piece is individual and carefully crafted to fit exactly into, or alongside another. Each has its own defined purpose, however, on its own, each achieves nothing, with little worth, but collectively, combined with all the other pieces in their correct places, a complete picture is formulated. When joined, each piece is difficult to separate from the next as each is often fully interlocking. The completed task may demand concentration and acumen to finish which may significantly improve short-term memory function and problem-solving skills. And so it is in our alacrity towards a purposeful existence. Every eventuality, every individual action, every enthusiasm, every readiness, every fervor collectively combine to reveal the finished puzzle of life. Whether it is considered rewarding or valued on a personal level depends on the amount of care and effort exerted in each situation and the overall outcome.

Life is short and needs to be cherished. We need to feel an element of accomplishment or fulfillment to make it valued or purposeful. When a puzzle has been completed, it becomes unified. We see the final picture as it was intended to be shown. We may admire its overall effect, we may possibly retain a pleasing sense of self-achievement, the puzzle may discerningly create its own reward or satisfaction. However, many pieces have time-consumingly and carefully been merged together to form one complete item.

In religious terms, this equates to our knowledge of the Trinity: God is the Father, God is the Son, and God is the Holy Spirit, three persons, and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. Ephesians 4:13 confirms: “Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

God the Father: He is seen as the Father of mankind. He is the creator and supreme authority of all. He is the ultimate ruler and guider and His word is Law. Nothing can exceed His power. Acts 17:24-28 confirms: “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’”

God the Son: God’s compassionate love of the world created the unique opportunity to reveal that love by sending His son, Jesus Christ to die for the sins of the world. John 3:16 states: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” A special baby was born on a memorable night and placed into a manger, not in pomp and glory, but in humility. There were no fanfares from trumpeters to mark His arrival, as regal as He was, not even superior shelter, just a single star that shone above a stable which lit the way for three Wise Men, who traveled from afar, to revere Him. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. A new life was born, but a special and irreplaceable Godly gift had been given. Colossians 2:9 confirms: “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.”

God the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit constantly dwells within us. He is the divine helper of God. John 14:15-17 reminds us: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” Tony Evans, an American orator once remarked: “People from different backgrounds may not have natural affinity, but when the Word of God is treated right and the Holy Spirit is allowed to engage, it can bring together things, people, backgrounds, histories, races, colors, and cultures and hold them together in a way that natural affinity may not be able to do.” Galatians 5:22-23 confirms: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” The Holy Spirit is our teacher, provider, and comforter. He provides a stable bridge of reassurance to enable us to cross the turbulent waters of life which can create fears or prevent a close link with God. John 14:26 sums up the Holy Spirit in the words: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”