Tuesday, July 28, 2009

209 Day "I will rise, when He calls my name..."

I Chron 4:9 "Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." 10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request".

This is the source of many publications including secular "positive" ideologies and a religious following that is more akin to casting spells/wishes than the cry of the heart to a compassionate Creator.

I have just turned on Klove and a new song by Chris Tomlinson " I will rise" was playing. Here are the words.

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
[x2]

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

Pain and Sorrow are part of the present order of life on earth, our hankering after ease has lead us to much dis-ease with all our quick fixes. In order to have a clear understanding of pain we must kneel at the foot of the cross. Jesus shows us the way out of pain and sorrow and it's via the cross. Pain and sorrow are supposed to bring about a desperation that speaks of reliance on the Goodness of God not on ourselves.

1 comment:

  1. You are so write about the following of Jabez's prayer. It reminds me of the brass serpent in the wilderness that the children of Israel turned into an idol. Our sinful nature forever wants a quick fix.

    Shirley Fay

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