A WORD FOR TODAY, September 21, 2023
Peggy Hoppes
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Blessings. Peg
A WORD FOR TODAY, September 21, 2023
“Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to him be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21, WEB
One of the places we visited while we were in England was the Royal Air Museum at Duxford. This museum was once a bustling air force base that was used extensively during both World Wars. In recent years, it has been filled with tourists viewing the amazing display of military and civilian aircraft as well as other military vehicles. In one hanger, you can walk through one of the original Concords, one that was used for testing in the early days. Another building is filled with tanks and other land vehicles. They have exhibits that show what it would have looked like back in the day. You can take rides on historic airplanes. There was even a building that held bits and pieces of every sort, junk that they used to rebuild the airplanes.
There has been an American military presence in England for over eighty years. Our numbers are dwindling as bases are closed, but there is still a significant number stationed there with work to do. Since the US Air Force has played an important role in many conflicts around the world, the Royal Air Museum felt that there should be a specific place to honor the American service members who have fought not only for America, but also the world.
The American Museum at Duxford is an incredible building. Its unusual half dome shape seems to disappear into the earth. The roof is made of concrete. The strength of the material is necessary to support the many planes that are suspended from the ceiling. This building is a masterpiece of logistical engineering, as there are many planes, each carefully placed or hung for the best possible vantage point.
The centerpiece of this display is a B-52. This is a very large aircraft, one that will not fit through the front door of any building, even unassembled. The planners overcame this difficulty in a very creative way. First, they laid the foundation of the building. Next, they parked the airplane on the foundation. Finally, they built the building around the plane. They had to be cautious with every step, because an accident could destroy the plane. After the building was complete, they moved the other planes into place. It is incredible to see how carefully they are all placed, and you can’t help but wonder how they managed to maneuver the planes into the building with the B-52 in the center.
Our Christian faith has been built since the beginning with the same care from our Creator. He laid the foundation in the Old Testament stories and prophecies. Next, He moved in the centerpiece, our Lord Jesus Christ. Finally, He built the Church around the work of our Lord, carefully placing every detail in His precise design. The American Museum at Duxford is a beautiful new building. Some would say the church would be better described as the old building filled with junk. In some ways it is. But just like the volunteers at Duxford, who lovingly build new craft out of the old parts, God is constantly building new out of the old. God is incredible, and to Him belongs all the glory. One day, the junk from the old building may just be hung in a new museum as the centerpiece. And one day, our imperfect, perishable bodies will dwell in eternity in the presences of God, sharing the glory of Jesus forever.
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