Put this post up a couple of days ago, then thought I best remove it because of its potential to be misconstrued. But upon further reflection I'm re-posting it now as I think its an important word, both for others and regarding a degree of helpful self-disclosure:
Through the prophet Jeremiah (chapter 3) God told Israel:
Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
This is such a potent statement, of the only God of the universe describing his love as "everlasting". The implications are catalytic to the human experience in the deepest ways possible. We all want to be loved; indeed, we were fashioned in such as way that to receive love is basic to our composition. It can be argued persuasively that most of the dilemma within the bosom and theatre of fallen man is our desire to be desired. It causes wars and rumors of wars of every scale. To be sure, money and power are quests for broken man as well to establish himself as immortal and/or worthwhile. But the broader base and deepest well we have, both to fill and from which to give others' drink, is love.
Moving further, the overarching goal of Christlikeness to a lover of God (Gal. 4:19) means there are occasions when He draws us to a dynamic to feel deeply what He feels. This is inevitable, like prayer, to be posed in such a way as to come to a deeper knowledge of Christ. And knowing Him is the literal definition of eternal life, (John 17:3). Its in the place of being with Him and experiencing, for the purpose of this message particularly, unrequited love that brings you to a fellowship with Him and adoration of Him and amazement at Him much more transforming than the casual or pleasant exchange with Christ.
I'm writing this to offer assurance for those servants of God who will inevitably be taken in some measure through such a route to the depths of Christ so that you might respond with faith and hope and love. The affections of God Himself for you will lead you through (which includes to) adversity. But the gospel that should be preached is not man-centered... at its very center it is for God's glory, that you would see and marvel at the love within God Himself, (John 17:24) which also abounds towards you. If you but identify with Him in His suffering, you will find Him as one closer than a brother, (Prov. 18:24), and you will find Him carrying you to the other side... though the darkness may endure for a night. And your fellowship with Him shall be sweet if you but lean your head upon Him - and not upon your own understanding.
As we turn the page of the Gregorian calendar year, I pray for everyone reading this: may you live and move and have your being with Jesus in every high and every low. In prosperity and famine. In joy and in sorrow. And if we build our lives upon Him and His word we will not be shaken, (Matt. 7:24ff).
Through the prophet Jeremiah (chapter 3) God told Israel:
Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
This is such a potent statement, of the only God of the universe describing his love as "everlasting". The implications are catalytic to the human experience in the deepest ways possible. We all want to be loved; indeed, we were fashioned in such as way that to receive love is basic to our composition. It can be argued persuasively that most of the dilemma within the bosom and theatre of fallen man is our desire to be desired. It causes wars and rumors of wars of every scale. To be sure, money and power are quests for broken man as well to establish himself as immortal and/or worthwhile. But the broader base and deepest well we have, both to fill and from which to give others' drink, is love.
Moving further, the overarching goal of Christlikeness to a lover of God (Gal. 4:19) means there are occasions when He draws us to a dynamic to feel deeply what He feels. This is inevitable, like prayer, to be posed in such a way as to come to a deeper knowledge of Christ. And knowing Him is the literal definition of eternal life, (John 17:3). Its in the place of being with Him and experiencing, for the purpose of this message particularly, unrequited love that brings you to a fellowship with Him and adoration of Him and amazement at Him much more transforming than the casual or pleasant exchange with Christ.
I'm writing this to offer assurance for those servants of God who will inevitably be taken in some measure through such a route to the depths of Christ so that you might respond with faith and hope and love. The affections of God Himself for you will lead you through (which includes to) adversity. But the gospel that should be preached is not man-centered... at its very center it is for God's glory, that you would see and marvel at the love within God Himself, (John 17:24) which also abounds towards you. If you but identify with Him in His suffering, you will find Him as one closer than a brother, (Prov. 18:24), and you will find Him carrying you to the other side... though the darkness may endure for a night. And your fellowship with Him shall be sweet if you but lean your head upon Him - and not upon your own understanding.
As we turn the page of the Gregorian calendar year, I pray for everyone reading this: may you live and move and have your being with Jesus in every high and every low. In prosperity and famine. In joy and in sorrow. And if we build our lives upon Him and His word we will not be shaken, (Matt. 7:24ff).
