Jesus, not another like him, number thirty-one.
Sometimes images open doors in our minds that words could never have opened to us. The symbolism in this image struck such a chord in me that I have not forgotten it in the last 17 or 18 years since it happened. It came at a time when I was connecting with God in a fresh way in my early mornings before the rest of my household awakened. All four kids were still at home . . . different schools, crazy sports schedules, and Dean traveling quite a lot, so my set apart time with God each day was vital. Not only did I write my prayers to God, I was anxious to hear from him and felt he answered in various ways.
And then he didn’t. Then he wasn’t.
It was as though God went on vacation.
It was like my prayers were hitting the ceiling, but not getting through.
It kinda felt like God was ‘over’ me.
I couldn’t figure it out and it disturbed me.
Several weeks went by - yes, just weeks. We headed out for a long weekend near Yosemite for a family camp with dear friends. One late night outside by myself, I happened to catch the much-anticipated-by-some lunar eclipse. (when earth’s shadow covers all or part of the lunar face) There. It. Was…just what I needed. Sitting on that white sand volleyball court, I looked up and realized God had not gone anywhere--other things just blocked my view of him for a time. He was right there all along. He may have been silent, but he was not absent.
podcast: https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/43739c31/when-god-is-silent-jesus-not-another-like-him-number-thirty-one
If you have never noticed before, God seems to place a premium on waiting. Once again, let us consider the hours before Jesus ascended into Heaven when God was silent. Several of Jesus’ last words to his followers included: “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before.” Acts 1.5…Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. Vs. 12-13. They all met together and were constantly united in prayer…v.14
On this side of history, we know that was a ten-day wait for the faithful who had no idea how long God would tarry. Waiting is hard, especially when you need God to move or do or act or answer. While these were faithful followers of Jesus, he had just left them! They were living under the heavy hand of Roman oppressors who they thought Jesus was going to overthrow to establish his kingdom.
In our lives, there are times we have prayed and prayed and God seems to be mute.
‘Times when God has given us a word or promise, then appears to have gone to sleep. While the first may be true…the second is not. God may be silent, but he is present and he is awake! God is most interested in our character, in who we are becoming…
and while God cares about details, is interested in time, he looks beyond both to eternity. Oh, and our becoming will always include obedience, in spite of how we feel or how things seem.
Those who Jesus told to go, wait and pray in Jerusalem did just that. They obeyed--the disciples, Mary, Jesus’ brothers and several other women stayed the course. When they worried or wondered--(after all, how could the Lord be gone?)--when they got tired, they did not abandon the plan or the instructions Jesus gave them. hmmm…note to self
When God is silent, we must be able to draw on what we know of Him. It is one of the reasons it is so important to know what is in the Bible as it teaches us of the character and behavior of God. So when I wonder why it is taking God so long to answer my most important, daily-uttered pleas, I do not wonder if he has turned a deaf ear. Jesus said, …”My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” John 5.17
If ever there is a time when it seems to you that God has turned aside from you, if ever he has gone silent - remember what he has said. For starters:
-I am with you wherever you go. Joshua 1.9
-I am both behind and before you, with my hand on you. Psalm 139.51
-I am your help and your shield. Psalm 33.20
-I have loved you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31.3
-I have written your name on the palm of my hand. Isaiah 49.16
In the silence, God.
He is always there. Wait for him.
I will wait for you, Shane & Shane ...amazing!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8pCbtLeXzc
In the silence, God.
He is always there. Wait for him.
Christine
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