We walk in a "ravine as dark as death" (Psalm 23:4), and still we have nothing to fear because God is at our side: God's staff and crook are there to soothe us (see Psalm 23:4). This is not just a consoling idea. It is an experience of the heart that we can trust.
Our lives are full of suffering, pain, disillusions, losses and grief, but they are also marked by visions of the coming of the Son of Man "like lightning striking in the east and flashing far into west" (Matthew 24:27). These moments in which we see clearly, hear loudly, and feel deeply that God is with us on the journey make us shine as a light into the darkness. Jesus says, "You are the light of the world. Your light must shine in people's sight, so that, seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).
(With thanks to the Henri Nouwen Society)
As any of you who regularly read this blog will know, I have found Nouwen's words to be literally true so many times I honestly can't count them. What I do know is that however deep the darkness - whether of physical injury, bereavement, betrayal, loss - has become, the light of Christ has shone more brightly the deeper the shadows. Somehow we can't know the depths of God's grace until we really need it - you can't store manna, I suppose...
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." (John 14.27) Not that we need not be afraid because nothing bad will happen - indeed Jesus warned us it would (John 15.20) - but that whatever happens, "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you for ever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you." (John 14.16-17) Remember that Advocate - parakletos - is translated Comforter in the KJV!
Veni, Creator Spiritus, mentes tuorum visita, Imple superna gratia, quae tu creasti pectora. It's a Pentecost hymn, but why not use it for Advent too? For the coming of our Lord is the coming of grace, of mercy; not for nothing (Luke 4.16-19) did Jesus take Isaiah 61 as his mission statement...
1 comment:
Somehow we can't know the depths of God's grace until we really need it - you can't store manna, I suppose...
No, we can't, Mike. I'm ever aware of the grace of God holding me up. I was thinking this morning as I rode home from church that I need saving every single day - every day. I hope that I never stray away from the consciousness that I need God's saving grace every single day.
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