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A Sheep’s Reason to Embrace Advent

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Embracing the Gift of Advent: A Time to Draw Near

Dear friend, as the days grow shorter and the world around us twinkles with holiday lights, I want to invite you into something truly special—observing Advent. It’s more than just a countdown to Christmas; it’s a gentle whisper from God, calling us to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the miracle of Jesus’ birth. In my own life, Advent has become a cherished rhythm, a way to step out of the hustle and find that quiet space where God’s presence feels so close. Let me share with you why I believe we should embrace this season, not out of obligation, but out of love for the One who came to us as a baby in a manger.

First, Advent reminds us of the profound story of God’s love breaking into our world. Think about it: over 2,000 years ago, the prophets foretold a Savior, and in the fullness of time, Jesus arrived. As Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Observing Advent helps us relive that anticipation, much like Mary and Joseph did on their journey to Bethlehem. It’s a chance to meditate on Scripture, light candles each week, and let the wonder of the Incarnation sink deep into our souls. In a world that rushes straight to the festivities, Advent says, “Slow down, my child—savor the promise fulfilled.”

But it’s not just about looking back; Advent also turns our eyes forward to Christ’s return. Jesus promised He’d come again, and this season stirs that holy longing in us. It’s like waiting for a dear friend to arrive after a long absence—our hearts ache with hope. The four weeks of Advent, themed around hope, peace, joy, and love, guide us to cultivate these virtues in our daily lives. Maybe you’ve felt the weight of uncertainty this year; Advent offers a balm, reminding us that Jesus is the Light who pierces every darkness. As we light the Advent wreath or read devotional passages, we’re not just marking time—we’re aligning our spirits with God’s eternal plan, preparing room in our hearts for Him anew.

On a personal note, I did not grow up in a religious tradition that celebrated Advent. I found it here in my later years. The Christmas season my favorite season for preaching and teaching God’s Word, sometimes felt overwhelming. Work deadlines, family stresses, the usual chaos. But committing to using Advent with my family, lighting a candle each week as we looked at Bible verses together, both about Christ’s first Incarnation and His coming return brought such peace with it that I was hooked. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about presence. It helped us to center our lives, reflecting on the true reason for the season. Observing Advent helped me see Christmas not as an event, but as an encounter with the living God. And friend, that’s available to you too. Whether you’re new to this or returning after years away, it’s never too late to start. Perhaps begin with a small step: find an Advent calendar with Scriptures, or join an online community sharing reflections. Let it be a warm embrace from the Father, drawing you closer.

As we journey through these weeks, may your heart overflow with the joy of expectation. Let’s pray together: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Advent, a season to remember Your Son’s humble arrival and to yearn for His glorious return. Help us to observe it with open hearts, finding hope in Your promises, peace in Your presence, joy in Your salvation, and love in Your endless grace. Draw us nearer to You, Lord, and let this time transform us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

With warmth and blessings,
Your friend in Christ

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -51

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A Broken and Contrite Heart: Reflections on Psalm 51

Have you ever felt the crushing weight of your own mistakes, that deep ache in your soul where regret meets desperation? I know I have. There have been moments in my life when I’ve strayed far from God’s path, only to find myself on my knees, crying out for mercy. Psalm 51, penned by King David after his grievous sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, captures this raw human experience like no other. It’s not just a historical prayer; it’s a blueprint for repentance, a heartfelt plea that resonates with every believer who has ever fallen short. From a Christian perspective, this psalm reminds us that true restoration comes not from our efforts, but from God’s boundless grace through Jesus Christ, who bore our sins on the cross. Let’s unpack it verse by verse, making it personal and drawing inspiration from the wisdom of the Nicene fathers.

David begins with an urgent cry: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1, ESV). Here, he doesn’t appeal to his own merits—after all, what could a adulterer and murderer offer?—but to God’s character. This is expository gold: “transgressions” refer to willful rebellion against God’s law, and David acknowledges that only divine mercy can erase them. In my own life, I’ve learned that repentance starts here, not with excuses, but with humility. As Athanasius, a key defender of the Christian faith, reflects on this psalm’s theme of confession: “You sinned and feeling guilty, you repent and ask to be shown mercy. You have words of confession and conversion in Psalm 51.” His words encourage us that no sin is beyond God’s reach when we turn back in genuine sorrow.

Moving deeper, David pleads, “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” (v. 2). The imagery is vivid—like scrubbing a stained garment until it’s spotless. Expositively, this points to the thoroughness of God’s forgiveness; it’s not superficial but penetrates to the core. He continues in verse 3-4: “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.” David owns his guilt fully, recognizing that sin is ultimately an offense against a holy God, not just horizontal harm to others. This personal admission is liberating—I’ve found that when I stop minimizing my faults and confess them openly, as in 1 John 1:9, God’s light breaks through the darkness.

But David doesn’t stop at confession; he traces sin’s roots: “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me” (v. 5). This isn’t excusing his actions but acknowledging original sin, the inherited brokenness we all share since Adam. From a Christian lens, it foreshadows our need for Christ’s redemptive work. Diodore of Tarsus, a fourth-century leader whose teachings influenced Nicene theology, expounds on this verse: “Behold, I was born in guilt, in sin my mother conceived me. He employed remarkable thinking… as if saying to God, So you wish to call me to account not only for my sins but also for my forefather’s: they did not prove grateful to you, and neither did I—rather, I inherited in some fashion the ancestor’s ingratitude, and from them I draw the habit of sinning against you.” Diodore’s insight reminds us that repentance involves confronting our shared human frailty, yet God’s mercy covers it all.

The psalm shifts to hope in verses 7-9: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice.” Hyssop, used in Old Testament purification rituals, symbolizes humility and cleansing—pointing forward to the blood of Christ that truly purifies (Hebrews 9:19-22). David envisions restoration: from brokenness to joy, from ashes to renewal. St. Augustine beautifully captures this in his exposition: “You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed: You shall wash me, and above snow I shall be whitened.” He emphasizes the transformative power of God’s forgiveness, inspiring us that no matter how stained we feel, God can make us radiant.

Finally, David prays for inner renewal: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me… Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit” (vv. 10, 12). Expositively, “create” echoes Genesis 1, implying God alone can remake our hearts. This is where the psalm becomes profoundly inspirational—repentance isn’t the end; it’s the gateway to joy and service. Augustine echoes this: “A clean heart create in me, O God: and a right spirit renew in my inner parts.” He highlights how God restores us not just for our sake, but to teach others: “I would teach unrighteous men Your ways, and ungodly men to You shall be converted” (v. 13, per Augustine’s rendering). In my experience, the times I’ve been forgiven have fueled my desire to share Christ’s love with others.

Friend, if you’re carrying hidden sin today, let Psalm 51 be your prayer. God doesn’t desire perfect people; He seeks “a broken and contrite heart” (v. 17). Through Jesus, who fulfilled this psalm’s longing, we find full forgiveness and renewed purpose. Repent, receive His mercy, and step into the joy of restoration. As you do, may your life become a testimony, drawing others to the Savior.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -36

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God’s Unfailing Love: A Reflection on Psalm 36

Reflection

Psalm 36, penned by David, offers a striking contrast between the darkness of human sin and the radiant glory of God’s character. The opening verses (1-4) paint a sobering picture of the wicked, who lack reverence for God, flatter themselves in their sin, and plot evil even in the stillness of night. Yet, this grim reality serves as a backdrop to magnify the brilliance of God’s love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice, which David celebrates in verses 5-9. In a world that often feels shadowed by wrongdoing, this psalm invites us to lift our eyes to the God whose mercy is boundless and whose provision is abundant.

Verses 5-6 proclaim the grandeur of God’s attributes: His love stretches to the heavens, His faithfulness reaches the skies, unchanging and all-encompassing. His righteousness stands like mighty mountains – immovable, majestic and a stronghold against injustice while His justice flows like the deep oceans, wise and profound beyond our comprehension

Theologian John Calvin reflects on this passage, noting that God’s mercy is so expansive that it embraces not only humanity but even the animals, showing His care for all He has made. Calvin emphasizes that this divine mercy is a source of comfort, assuring us that God’s goodness extends beyond our failures and the world’s brokenness.

In verse 7, David declares, “How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Here, we find an invitation to rest in God’s protective embrace, where we are not merely sheltered but feasted with the abundance of His house and refreshed by His “river of delights” (verse 8). Charles Spurgeon, in his Treasury of David, beautifully captures the joy of this truth, describing God’s love as a fountain that quenches every thirst and a light that dispels all darkness. He writes, “In thy light shall we see light,” suggesting that only in God’s presence do we find true clarity, wisdom, and joy. Spurgeon’s insight calls us to seek satisfaction not in fleeting pleasures but in the eternal delights of God’s presence.

One of the most inspirational insights comes from the renowned theologian Matthew Henry, who emphasizes the preciousness of God’s loving-kindness. He notes that it is infinitely above human compassion, drawing the children of men to trust under the shadow of His wings, where they find protection, abundant satisfaction from the “fatness of His house,” and refreshment from the “river of His pleasures.” Henry reminds us that in God, we have the fountain of life—natural, spiritual, and eternal—and in His light, we see true wisdom and joy, culminating in the glory of heaven.

David concludes with a prayer for God’s continued love and righteousness toward the upright and a plea for protection from the wicked (verses 10-12). The downfall of evildoers reminds us that evil is temporary, while God’s kingdom endures forever. Psalm 36 challenges us to examine our hearts: Are we drawn to the deceit of sin, or are we running to the refuge of God’s wings? In moments of trial or temptation, let us anchor ourselves in the truth of God’s unfailing love, which is more vast than the heavens and more enduring than the mountains.

Today, let Psalm 36 inspire you to trust in God’s boundless mercy. When the world’s darkness presses in, feast on His abundance, drink from His delights, and walk in His light. You are held, protected, and cherished by the God whose love knows no end.

Prayer

Lord, Your love reaches the heavens, and Your faithfulness never fails. Thank You for being our refuge and our joy, the fountain of life in a world of shadows. As Christian leaders of the past remind us, Your mercy embraces all, and Your light reveals true life. Help us to rest in Your love, to reject sin’s deceit, and to live uprightly for Your glory. Continue Your steadfast love to us, and shield us from evil. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Grief and the Christian Faith

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Grief is an inescapable reality in a fallen world. The sting of loss — whether through broken relationships, death or shattered dreams — cuts deeply into the human soul. Yet, for the Christian, grief is not a solitary or hopeless journey. It is a journey walked under the sovereign hand of God, illuminated by the promises of Scripture< and sustained by the hope of Christ’s victory over sin and death.

The Bible does not shy away from the rawness of grief. From the anguished cries of Job (Job 3:11) to David’s lament over his fallen son (2 Samuel 18:33), Scripture acknowledges that sorrow is a natural response to loss. The Christian perspective begins with the foundational truth of the Fall: sin has fractured God’s good creation, bringing death and decay into the world (Genesis 3:17-19, Romans 5:12). Grief, then, 7is not an anomaly but a consequence of living in a world marred by sin. It is a reminder that things are not as they were meant to be.

Yet, this recognition does not leave us in despair. The Christian faith emphasizes that even in this brokenness, God remains sovereign. Nothing, not even the deepest pain, falls outside His Divine Purpose. In grief, we are invited to trust that God is working, even when His ways are inscrutable.

For the believer in Christ, grief is not borne alone. Psalm 34:18 assures us, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” This promise anchors the Christian’s understanding of suffering: God does not abandon His people in their sorrow but draws near to them. Jesus Himself, the Man of Sorrows (Isaiah 53:3) entered into human suffering, wept at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35) and bore our griefs on the cross (Isaish 53:4). In Christ, we find a High Priest who sympathizes with our weakness (Hebrews 4:15), offering comfort that is both divine and deeply personal.

Christian theology underscores that this comfort is not mere sentiment, but a reality rooted in God’s covenant faithfulness. He has promised never to leave or forsake his people (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5). Even in the darkest valley, the Christian can echo David’s confidence: “You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

While grief is real, it is not the final word. The Christian faith clings tenaciously to the hope of the resurrection and the making of a new Earth where death, sorrow and suffering will be no more. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 that believers “do not grieve as others who have no hope.” This does not mean that Christians avoid tears or suppress sorrow — Jesus Himself wept — but that their grief is tempered by the certainty of Christ’s triumph over death. Because Jesus rose from the grave, those who are united to Him by faith will also rise (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). Death has been defeated, and the day is coming when “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 21:4) when the new heavens and earth are created for us.

This hope reshapes how we mourn. Loss is temporary; reunion is eternal. For the Christian, grieving is an act of waiting — waiting until the fulfillment of God’s promises will come to pass. The promises of removing the curse of sin and restoring creation to how it should be.

Grieving as a Christian involves both lament and trust. Lament is not a sign of weak faith, but a biblical response to pain. The Psalms are filled with cries of anguish – “How long O Lord?” (Psalm 13:1) – that model honest wrestling before God. We are free to pour out our hearts, knowing that He hears and cares. At the same time, trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness steadies us. Romans 8:28 assures us that “for those who love God all things work together for good.” This does not erase pain but reframes it within God’s redemptive plan.

Practically this might mean weeping over a loved one’s death while clinging to the promise of eternal life. It might mean wrestling with unanswered questions while resting in the truth that God’s wisdom surpasses our own (Isaiah 55:8-9). It is a posture of humility, acknowledging our limits and God’s infinite goodness.

Finally, the Christian faith emphasizes that grief is not meant to be endured alone. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to “weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). Fellowship with other believers provides tangible support – prayers, meals or simply a listening ear. Moreover, God has given us the means of grace – Scripture, prayer and the sacraments – to sustain us in sorrow. The Word reminds us of God’s promises, prayer draws us into His presence, and Communion offers a foretaste of the heavenly banquet where all tears will cease.

Grieving as a Christian is a paradox. It is sorrow mingled with hope; lament tempered by trust. We mourn deeply because we love deeply, yet we lift our eyes to the One who hold all things in His hands. In the end, our grief is not the end. Christ is risen, God is Sovereign, and the day of restoration draws near. Until then, we grieve as those who belong to Him, resting in His unfailing love and looking forward to the dawn when mourning will give way to everlasting joy.

A Heart Hungry To Worship Part 10

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Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.[1]

Chapter 9

Matthias’ Story

Matthias’ parents took him to church while he was still in his mother’s womb. When he was a young child, he made a profession of faith and the church baptized him. Matthias was a good kid. It was not that he possessed a strong faith that made him act good, but more because he was afraid of disappointing people by doing wrong. He did everything expected of him out of a sense of duty.

Sailing through high school, Matthias set off for college, bound and determined to make something of his life. The years of watching his parents serve at small, struggling churches left him disappointed with his faith. Seeing the business side of churches and experiencing his family’s generosity being taken advantage of repeatedly, left Matthias determined to become self-sufficient. All of his life, Matthias had people ask him, “Are you going to be a preacher like your father?” That was the last thing Matthias wanted. His plan was to manage a top-flight hotel somewhere in the Caribbean. Funny, how life had not turned out quite that way for him though.

At college, Matthias visited other denominations, to see and experience their forms of worship. Still disillusioned with organized churches, he even tried some small group studies on campus but they did very little for him spiritually.

When Billy Graham came into the area to hold a crusade during his junior year, Matthias was very interested. He had always respected Graham’s ministry and character, and the opportunity to get involved in something of this magnitude was too good to pass up.

Signing up to be a counselor at the crusade required a lot of work. Various churches across the city held training classes, so it was easy for Matthias to find one close to campus. He enjoyed the training and felt excited to be part of something fresh and new.

During the final class, though, Matthias received the surprise of his life. The instructor stopped his teaching, looked straight at him and said, “Young man, God has told me to tell you to stop running from Him. He is calling you to be a missionary for Him.” Matthias was very quick to protest. “Not me. I am going to be a hotel manager. You must be mistaken.” The instructor replied, “Do with it what you will, I am just a messenger.”

Matthias left, somewhat shaken up. “This person doesn’t even know me,” he thought, “Why would he say something like that?” He proceeded to help with the crusade and finished out his junior year. Try as he might, he could not forget the words spoken to him by the instructor.

During the summer break, Matthias decided to visit a friend in Europe. It would be a nice vacation, and though he would not admit it, Matthias was hoping that a change of scenery would help him forget the instructor’s words for a little while. Since his friend was an agnostic, he figured that it would be a very good place to silence his questioning thoughts.

Matthias’ trip went fantastic. Old castles, wonderful museums, different cultures to experience; it was his first time out of the country and he loved every minute of it. The day before his return to the Sates, his friend suggested visiting some new friends she had made in a neighboring town.

Those friends turned out to be Catholic priests training to go to Africa as missionaries. “What an odd coincidence,” Matthias thought. They quickly began to discuss the commonalities and differences of their respective faiths and, as night drew into early morning, an amazing thing occurred. One of the priests looked at Matthias and said, “Young man, you are running away from God. You need to return home. God is calling you to be a missionary for Him.”

Matthias found himself thoroughly shaken. It was almost the exact same words spoken to him by the instructor many months before. No one knew of that earlier conversation. There was no way these priests on another continent could have known. This had to be more than coincidence but Matthias was not ready to listen.

After finishing his vacation, Matthias returned home. He decided to go to a different church in a neighboring city. The pastor was new to the church and no one who attended there knew him. “A fresh start,” Matthias thought, “is just what I need.” Matthias enjoyed the service very much. He made an appointment to talk with the pastor about beliefs and to investigate the process of joining the church.

During his meeting with the pastor, the two discussed their beliefs and Matthias found that the church held views similar to his own. They talked amicably for almost twenty minutes and then something startling happened. The pastor looked over his desk at Matthias and said, “Young man, God is calling you into the ministry but you keep running away from Him.” Matthias stared in disbelief and then, finally, began the journey he had been avoiding all along, the journey to following God’s will for his life.

It would take a few more months before Matthias finally surrendered his desires for his future security over to God. It was a struggle to relinquish his dreams, but when he did, when the last barrier fell, Matthias felt the deep and abiding peace of knowing God’s pleasure with him for the first time in many years. Twenty something years later, Matthias still follows God’s calling and has never once looked back or regretted his decision.

Gone were his fears of not being able to make a good living. Gone were his desires to become someone of note, to make his mark on the world. They were replaced by a knowledge of who he was and his purpose in life. He found how God wanted him to worship and to serve. I know, because Matthias’ story is mine.

After many years of obedience out of a sense of duty, came the freedom that obedience from a sense of devotion and love brings.  Finding purpose and approval from God far outweighs any approval needed from man and changes lives, like Matthias’ and mine, forever.

No longer burdened by trying to live up to expectations of family, no longer seeking approval from peers, service to God became a joy instead of drudgery. I came to realize that duty without love or joy meant that I didn’t value or respect the one I was serving – Jesus. That was a very harsh reality to wake up to. As I came to understand the sacrifice Jesus made for me, as I came to understand the depths to which Jesus went, my heart became filled with gratitude. I realized, not just academically, but personally, the love God has for me. That love chased away all the fears that had plagued me. The Bible says that, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”[2]

As I yielded control of my life, my future over to God without reservations or restrictions, His love washed over me and drove away all those fears. No longer did I worry about others would say or think. No longer would I wonder if I could be successful or good enough. I had placed my life into the hands of the One who knows everything, the One who, “works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”[3] I finally comprehended the truth of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

The New Testament also has a story of a young man whom God called into the ministry. A man who had great things prophesied about him. A man who felt the burden of the great expectations placed on him. One who struggled with who he was and how God wanted to use him. It is the story of Timothy, a most remarkable young man.

[1] Theodore Roosevelt, Proclamation 466, Thanksgiving Day 1901

[2] 1 John 4:8

[3] Romans 8:28

Wednesday’s Words

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Some random thoughts on this first day of July:

  1. If you claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ, where is He leading you?
    1. How well are you following – reluctantly, enthusiastically or not at all?
    2. If you don’t know where He is leading you, why not?
  2. Do you love Jesus Christ for who He is, or what He does for you?
    1. If He withdrew His blessings, would you still praise, worship and honor Him or withdraw yourself?
      1. He is worthy to be honored, praised and worshiped because He is the King of Kings, not a genie.
      2. We owe Him all, He owes us nothing.
      3. Any blessing He gives is out of mercy and grace but not because we somehow deserve it.
    2. Peter’s declaration should ring true with us. In John 6:68, when the crowds stopped following, Jesus asked the disciples if they would leave also. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
  3. Is Jesus, alone, enough for us or are we still looking for something extra?

Good Definitions of Repentance

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Again, as part of our research in putting together our newest resource, The 180º Project, we have found some good thoughts concerning biblical repentance. Some of these we share below. While not all of these will make it into our final book, all of them are worthy of contemplation. If you run across any that you would like to share with us, please email them to us at taethne@outlook.com.  Please enjoy”

[Repentance] is not a merely intellectual change of mind or mere grief, still less doing penance, but a radical transformation of the entire person, a fundamental turnaround involving mind and action and including overtones of grief, which result in (spiritual) fruit. — D.A. Carson

Repentance is more than just sorrow for the past; repentance is a change of mind and heart, a new life of denying self and serving the Savior as king in self’s place. — J.I. Packer

Remorse precedes true repentance. Changed behavior follows true repentance. But this necessary prelude and postlude of true repentance are not themselves the essence of repentance. True repentance is a denial that anything in us ever would or ever could satisfy God’s holiness or compel His pardon. We humbly concede that we can offer nothing for what He alone can give. Then we rest in His promise to forgive those who humbly seek Him… Repentance, therefore, is fundamentally a humble expression of a desire for a renewed relationship with God – a relationship that we confess can be secured only by His grace. — Bryan Chapell

Our Lord’s idea of repentance is as profound and comprehensive as His conception of righteousness. Of the three words that are used in the Greek Gospels to describe the process, one emphasizes the emotional element of regret, sorrow over the past evil course of life, metamelomai; Matt. 12:29-32; a second expresses reversal of the entire mental attitude, metanoeo, Matt. 12:41, Luke 11:32; 15:7, 10; the third denotes a change in the direction of life, one goal being substituted for another, epistrephomai; Matt. 13:15 (and parallels); Luke 17;4, 22:32. Repentance is not limited to any single faculty of the mind: it engages the entire man, intellect, will and affections… Again, in the new life which follows repentance the absolute supremacy of God is the controlling principle. He who repents turns away from the service of mammon and self to the service of God. —Geerhardus Vos

It is one thing to love sin and to force ourselves to quit it; it is another thing to hate sin because love for God is so gripping that the sin no longer appeals. The latter is repentance; the former is reform. It is repentance that God requires. Repentance is “a change of mind.” To love and yet quit it is not the same as hating it and quitting it. Your supposed victory over a sin may be simple displacement. You may love one sin so much (such as your pride) that you will curtail another more embarrassing sin which you also love. This may look spiritual, but there is nothing of God in it. Natural men do it every day. —Jim Elliff

Allowing Grief to take Place

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I ran across a quote the other day that speaks volumes: “For those who love life, immortality is no consolation in death” – Simone de Beauvoir. We understand, as Christians, that death has lost its ultimate power over us. We know, from Scripture, that our immortal soul, once redeemed by Jesus, will spend eternity with Him. We are even told that it will be reunited with a new body in heaven. Yet, we still grieve over the death of a loved one. This is appropriate on two levels.

First, if the one we have lost was not a believer in Jesus Christ, we grieve because they are truly gone. There is no meeting them again in the afterlife. Their death, for all intents and purposes, is final for us. That relationship we had with them has been sundered forever. Truly, it is appropriate to grieve for them.

Second, even if the person was a believer, even with the hope we have of being reunited with them in heaven, it is appropriate to grieve the loss. For now, the fellowship has been broken, Things are not the same. While we do not grieve as those who have no hope this does not mean we cannot or should not grieve. Death is an intruder, an interloper. It is not without reason the New Testament calls it “the last enemy.”

We grieve over loss because we have been cut off, at least temporarily, from the ones we love. For instance, we may be glad that a child is doing well at college across the country. We expectantly look forward to Christmas break when we will see them again but it doesn’t mute the emptiness of their bedroom we pass everyday. Death magnifies those feelings because we cannot call them on the phone and hear their voice like we can one separated only by distance.

One of the tragedies of our society, as well as today’s church, is not allowing people to adequately grieve. Because we are embarrassed for them or because we have not processed our own grief, we do not allow them to fully grieve and begin the road to healing. When Lazarus died, it wasn’t just Mary and Martha that mourned. Jesus did too. He knew He could resurrect Lazarus. He knew He was going to resurrect Lazarus and yet He still grieved. Knowing that it was okay for our Lord to grieve should be good enough for allowing His children to grieve also. It is a natural response to loss that must be allowed and there is no right way or wrong way to grieve, nor is there a time frame after which it is not allowable. The only restriction placed on grieving in the Bible is that we are not to grieve without hope, as a pagan might.

Modern psychology doesn’t help either. Since Freud’s time it has looked upon grief as a disease, as though it were a sickness like mumps or chicken pox, easily cured with the right combination of drugs or therapies. Only when we accept that for now, until a new heaven and earth are made by God, that suffering and loss are a normal part of our existence and grief is a normal reaction to loss, will we be able to help individuals cope with grief. We will sit with them, cry with them, wonder why with them and listen to their pain without offering stupid, meaningless platitudes. In short, we will experience their life with them and, in doing so, enrich both ours and theirs.

I leave you with this quote:  “We are told that it is perfectly legitimate for believer to suffer grief. Our Lord Himself was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Though grief may reach to the root of our souls it must not result in bitterness. Grief is a legitimate emotion, at times even a virtue, but there must be no place in the soul for bitterness.” R.C. Sproul, The Dark Night of the Soul, Tabletalk, March 2008

Wednesday Book Reviews

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Deep in the HeartDeep in the Heart by Staci Stallings
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good Christian romance novel. Many of the characters experience the transformational power of Christ in their lives, which make the story an uplifting one. The only thing keeping it from 5 stars is that I thought it took too long for the protagonist/antagonist conflict to fully develop. The characters were believable and the story line was well written. If you know someone who is searching for something to fill the emptiness inside of them, toss ’em a copy of this book. You and they will find it a good read.

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Tough Faith: Trusting God in Troubled TimesTough Faith: Trusting God in Troubled Times by Janet Parshall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An excellent book that unapologetically deals the issues of our day. Moving past the nominal expression of so-called Christianity in our time, the authors give a compelling case for what true belief in Christ looks like. The manner in which they write is not abrasive and it is laid out in a manner that is easy to follow. I recommend this as a good read

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Weekly Photo Challenge – Love

/ taethne / 1 Comment

This picture combines my two loves. In this photo there is my wife, sitting in Narnia with Aslan looking over her shoulder. I love my Lord Jesus and I love my wife. Since I believe He gave her to me, I love a shot that puts the two together.

aslan