I created the blacksmith...

http://cla.calpoly.edu/~lcall/111/week_six.html

"I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals, and produces a weapon fit for its purpose; I have also created the ravager to destroy." Isaiah 54:16

In my mind, in this passage, God is creating two opposing beings. A smith who is careful, thoughtful, methodical, who is creating weapons that will effectively destroy, attack, and, if true, kill.

But then, there is the ravager... the maniacal torrent of desolation.

In my mind, these two, these opposites are opposed, in a battle...but as I reread and reread, these two are together opposed to those who would attack God's chosen ones.

I'm reading God on Mute, by Pete Grieg, a book about God's silence and unanswered prayer, especially the silence that echoes in our deepest suffering, when we want answers the most.

Thinking about the story of Job, Pete says that in answer to Job's question, God reveals His glory and Job falls on his face, understanding... God's glory is the answer, even if it doesn't seem like an answer, even if it isn't a logical answer, it is the answer.

And I think to myself, are there moments when God is creating things to oppose, merely to show His power, to reveal His glory? The careful smith and the ravager, whether on the same side, or opposed, each uniquely show God.

I also marvel that God created the smith, not the weapon... He created the being who works methodically, who has a penchant for creativity, who is sensitive to heat, who understands metals and woods, and who will tirelessly perfect his or her craft. He masterminds the one who masterminds the weapons.

I hope as I continue my attempts to write that my characters and stories grow to be as rich and meaningful as I can see them in my minds and feel them in my body... I feel the stories there, and they are growing, but are as of yet unreleased.

I wonder if I will create a blacksmith...