Drippings from the Honeycomb
More to be desired are [the rules of the Lord] than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. (Psalm 19:10)
February is here and we’re “In the Bleak Mid-Winter.” Dark, cold, snow… Indeed, “snow had fallen snow on snow.” In any given winter we can have snow from November to March. That is 5 months, not to mention flurries in October, April and even May! (But remember even heat becomes wearisome to Australians and the rainy season for Brazilians!). For many this time of the year can find us spiritually weary. What godly things can be done to be encouraged?
We can do something as simple as take vitamin D (normally generated by the sun). This encourages us physically. We can divert our attention by doing some early spring cleaning, buy some flowers, do renovations, artwork, scrapbooking, etc—doing something beautiful. Some people even escape for a warmer destination. We can get together with family or friends for an old fashioned games night. Winter sports or a winters drive on a sunny day are also pleasant diversions. But there is much more we can do. It is a time to evaluate our spiritual lives. Are we worshipping, reading the Bible, praying, etc? Is there unconfessed sin in our life? The winter blues are often spiritual melancholy. Are you fellowshipping with God’s people regularly? Many complain that the winter months are lonely. However, at MBC we still have multiple ways to connect, from morning and evening worship gatherings where God’s presence and Word enliven us and we can be blessed through our brothers and sisters in Christ (let alone refreshments and fellowship meals). Join online if the weather is bad or ask for a ride! We have many mid-week events for fellowship and service besides. If you cannot get out call an Elder or Deacon of benevolence to arrange a visit. Also remember to thank the Lord for the unique beauties of the season. The bleak mid-winter can challenge our hope. Yet God has given us many tools to combat it. It is like what we are learning in 1 Peter. In the midst of suffering we remember our great hope in Jesus, past, present and future. This helps us to persevere and continue to live the life of holiness He is calling us today. Spring will come just as Jesus will return!
Life inside a mine is dark, even the lights struggle to cut through the darkness. If you’ve ever toured a mine you’ll know that when all light is turned off it is pitch black. Darkness is what consumed our beloved. And darkness is growing in our society. And on a day like today we feel the effects of that darkness in grief. Where does darkness come from? The Bible says that darkness is the result of sin, being lost in our rebellion from a good God. (c.f. Ro 6:23a) In the face of the darkness of sin, we all need HOPE! Not a fleeting hope that the world offers but true and real and lasting hope that only God can offer and has offered in the Good News of the Death and Resurrection of His Son, for the believer’s forgiveness and gift of life eternal! What is hope? It isn’t wishful thinking, though it can be. It IS faith in something certain. In this case, God and His word. I want to dwell upon a prayer for hope found in Ro 15:13, “May.” Paul, an early follower and missionary of Jesus is writing to Roman Christians about Jesus, the hope of the nations. It is a prayer for believers and unbelievers alike, a pray for hope. It is my prayer that this prayer would become your prayer in this hour of darkness and always. Three points from this verse:
Because the impossible is possible with Him, He can be hoped in.
Until this point no one has true and lasting hope. Darkness prevails upon us. At this point, the very moment you cry out to God for mercy, believing in His Good News, one has hope in the here and the hereafter.
As we believe in and follow the RISEN Lord Jesus Christ, ascended into heaven, seated at the right hand of God the Father, coming again to judge the living and the dead, our hope abounds so we have enough not only for ourselves but to offer to those in the deepest darkness. Friends, those walking in the darkness of sin and grief… Life doesn’t need to be dark. We have hell to shun and heaven to gain. Hope begins with repentance and faith in Jesus. In Him and Him alone we have strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow (c.f. Hymn- Great if Thy Faithfulness). There is a hope… [lead in to closing hymn of that name] |
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