Saturday, September 18, 2021
God Shows the Way
Part II
While we pause in our journey with the prophet Jeremiah we rest in the knowledge that God accompanies us always. While we ponder Jeremiah’s circumstances and how he suffers innocently, we spend time with Psalm 25 and reflect on the beautiful way it foreshadows God’s physical presence among us in the person of Jesus. While we come to understand the magnitude and intensity of God’s love for us, we spend a bit of time considering the beauty of the Spirit who dwells within, and the healing, redemptive hand of the one who created us.
In her bio, Heather King remarks that when she was asked how she could become a convert in Los Angeles with its juxtaposition of abundance and scarcity she replied with a question – as Jesus so often does – How could she not? Jeremiah may well have asked himself this question when found himself abused and imprisoned for speaking on God’s behalf. Today we ask ourselves this same question despite the pain of our journey . . . when we are called to follow Christ . . . how can we not?
When we find that we are in dark surroundings, we must not be afraid for God has come to us in human form to show us the way: Do not let your hearts be troubled. (John 14:1) When we find ourselves surrounded by those who know only evil, we must follow the roadmap Jesus has left for us: You have faith in God; have faith also in me. (John 14:1) When we find ourselves overcome with sorrow or loss, we have a path to follow: I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6) When we feel abandoned or betrayed, we have a guide to follow: I will come back and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. (John 14:3) When we are alone and lost, there is a trail before us standing open and inviting. Where I am going you also know the way. Jesus is amazed at our fear: Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me? (John 14:9) Yet he loves us and is constantly making a way for us. I am going to prepare a place for you. (John 14:3)
The apostle John captures Jesus’ last discourse for us so beautifully that these words will not fail to sooth us when we suffer through our own Jeremiah times. It with these words that God shows us the way; and it is God’s Spirit that abides in us every inch of our journey. With Christ as a brother, we are a part of the great human yearning for union with God. Like homing birds we know the way . . . yet we too often allow the fears of the world to drown out the true voice that speaks to us in the quiet of our hearts.
I wait for you, O Lord, the psalmist sings, remember no more the sins of my youth, remember me only I the light of your love. And God replies: Do not let your hearts be troubled. Where I am you also may be. Have faith in me. I am the way, the truth, and the life.
God shows us the way. Let us turn our eyes and ears to God to take the loving hand that is offered.
Adapted from a reflection written on May 22, 2011.
To learn more about Heather King, visit her blog at: http://shirtofflame.blogspot.com/
Image from: http://www.word-picture.org/john-14-6-via-veritas-vita/
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