Luke 1:77
~ Dear John,
You will go before the Lord to prepare His Ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to His people and forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the Sunrise shall visit us from on high
to give Light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet in the way of peace.
You have no idea how much you will have to suffer, John.
I don't think suffering was ever even on John's radar
but bringing the Kingdom to earth was John's overwhelming desire.
John brought waiting people to the arms of a long-awaited Messiah.
John broke 400 years of silence announcing a Sunrise from on High.
2000 years later, Still giving Light through His Word
Light to those who sit in darkness, depression, despair, and death.
Light to those who stand in suffering, silence, shadows, surrender.
John brought Peace to hands and feet and hearts.
God, if there be any different desire in us, may our Sun Rise High.
John had no greater desire
than to carry out his part in God's Plan
That is the center of spiritual formation
Not more energy, not feeling more upbeat,
but a clear awareness of the deepest truly human desire
a desire that releases resolve,
a determination to follow God's lead
in bringing Heaven's Kingdom on earth, a Longing to Love.
66 LL
I was just wondering this morning as I read if Zechariah had all these words prepared after his visit by Gabriel. He had so much time to ponder the wonder of it all in his own silence, knowing the 400 year silence was broken, the Lord was about to move in that long awaited event of His coming.
ReplyDeleteHadn't thought about Zechariah's silence. How did he wrestle with that? He never knew if he would ever talk again. He found a good place. His suffering silence redeemed parts of his heart where way-too-many words simmered.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of silence...where is everybody? Come home!
ReplyDeleteNever heard from the oncologist this afternoon and I got all involved in a University of Texas project and forgot to call. Will phone 8am manana and let you know the latest in the thyroid drama. Been thinking about Isaiah 30:15
In Quietness, like Zechariah who had his soul quieted...and
In Confidence, like Peter whose name was "dropped" by the Resurrected Jesus---and the last earthly move by Peter was to deny Christ 3 times.
In Quietness & In Confidence
may our Strength be in Him.
I have been thinking much about the word "strength." Even bought a Target necklace this week that says "Strength." So taken with that thought. Praying for you this night that you may be found in His Strength. Love you so!
Come Home, Girls!