day 39, lent 2009

can you believe it is day 39?

tomorrow is palm sunday...

there have been moments in the last 39 days when "God has shown up..."

we have been surprised by the joy of his presence...

we have heard his voice...

he has revealed wisdom from beyond...

what an awesome privilege to be in a moment when and where God "breaks through..."

i know it happens and yet i am still amazed at his gracious intervention...

i also know that these "kairos moments" cannot be manufactured, controlled or copyrighted...

we are never the catalyst -- God always is...

God remains ultimately free...

God is sovereign...

he is God and we are not...

nouwen says: "there is a great and subtle temptation to suggest to myself or others where God is working and where not, when he is present and when not, but nobody, no christian, no priest, no monk, has any 'special' knowledge about God. God cannot be limited by any human concept or prediction. he is greater than our mind and heart and perfectly free to reveal himself where and when he wants...we can close our eyes as tightly as we can and clasp our hands as firmly as possible, but God speaks only when he wants to speak. when we realize this our pressing, pushing, and pulling become quite amusing. sometimes we act like a child that closes his eyes and thinks that he can make the world go away...after having done everything TO MAKE SOME SPACE for God, it is still God who comes on his own initiative. but we have a promise upon which to base our hope. the promise of his love..."

so what is our part?

maybe it is "to make some space..."

and to trust in his love...

and to desire...

and to wait...

maybe it is "to be still and know that he is God..."

hope i am the first to wish you a wonder-filled palm sunday...

shalom...

guy

looking forward to holy week with you...