04/11/2022
As Christians we should be busily seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ, and through Him, enjoying more intimate talks with God. In this way God will whisper to us, call us into His service, and reveal mysteries about Himself to us. We will have uplifting morning walks with Him, but often we will hear His voice in the dark of night, or while wandering in various wildernesses. There is no substitute for spending time in these challenging, quiet, solitary, and often painful, places with Him. Once we have been there, and He has confided in us, spoken of His will, or has otherwise blessed us with some revelation, it is our duty to shout it from the rooftops. Are we doing this, or are we hoarding what God has spoken to us in the hard times, quiet times, or the the times of trial and suffering? Are we quick to share the joys, but tight lipped about the more serious conversations we have? Our faith is not all about dancing and singing; we are meant to have the hard, difficult, and serious conversations as well.
“What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.”
Matthew 10:27 ESV
I laughed the first time I heard someone say “Don’t be a “Debbie Downer!””, or in other words, don’t spoil the mood of happiness, be negative, or speak serious truth in the middle of the light and joyous occasion we are experiencing. We like to laugh and celebrate at weddings and other such occasions, but the true subject of marriage is a very serious one. There are truths about married life that are hard, painful, and not easily understood, but they are also necessary, and help us support one another as we live as one flesh, and weather the storms of life together. Understanding the concept that once married we cease to be two, and will become one, is a hard thing to comprehend.
“So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.””
Matthew 19:6 ESV
These deeper lessons that have been learned by many who have already walked this way, and have had the serious conversations with God in the midst of their trials, are meant to be shared… They are equal to, if not more important than, the light joyous truths. We all like to toast the bride and groom while telling them that their life together is going to be amazing and wonderful, then dance the night away with them… but before their vows are taken we need to have the serious conversations about how they become one, that their lives will not always be roses, that life is fraught with hardship and pain, and reassure them that together, leaning on their faith, they can ease the suffering of one another.
“Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?”
Ecclesiastes 4:11 ESV
Serious conversations with God, and walks with Jesus during our desperate times, are all part of faith, and in them we are given truths that we are meant to teach others, and shout from the rooftops. Like marriage, our faith is wonderful indeed, but it is also true that it can be just as challenging, and equally hard to understand. Becoming one flesh, and abiding in Christ as he abides in us… these subjects are filled with both joy, and deep mystery as well.
““Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”
Ephesians 5:31-32 ESV
Are we seeking out, and having the difficult, and serious conversations with God? When the storms are upon us are we looking for God in them, or just His relief from them? When He speaks the hard truths to us are we willing to not only say them out loud, but to shout them from the rooftops?
“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””
John 8:31-32 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the difficult truths you share with us, and give us the courage to speak them to others, and for the strong voice needed to shout them from the rooftops. Help us to see you in the wilderness journeys of our lives, and to shout as John the Baptist did… “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” Help us to love others enough to have these difficult conversations with them, and to tell them in love what you have told us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who is in every storm within us, and who whispers truth to us in them. Praised be your name for the courage you give us that allows us to reveal the truths of tribulation, so that the suffering of others can be lessened, or avoided altogether. Merciful are you who reveals the life contained within our faith to us, and who shares the mysteries of creation with us. Your grace flows over us, even in the desert places, and your blessings find us, even as we struggle with the difficulties of living our lives for you. Worthy are you, our God, who sent your Son Jesus to redeem us, and have given voice to our belief in you. Wash us in His blood Father, and deliver us from our sinfulness. Transform us through the hard truths, and joys alike. Call us your children as you announce your pleasure in us, and seat us at your table forevermore… set free in you.
“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’””
Matthew 3:1-3 ESV
Rich Forbes