Issue 327
He has carried an ache in his spirit for what seems like an eternity; he has watched from a distance the joys and sorrows of the life of the longed-for. On numerous occasions he has shown his hand, sometimes to be welcomed; at other times rejected. It fills him with alternating tenderness and jealousy as he experiences the fickle nature of his beloved. Nothing can alter his steady and consistent faithfulness while he patiently communicates the complexity of his care, and the depths of his desire. No matter what the reaction, he will keep going.
In contrast to his consistency, he is faced with a cycle of faithfulness followed by complacency, followed by infidelity and a chasing after others. Finally as the redundancy of the alternatives becomes clear, the cycle concludes and, in desperation, the wanderer returns – only to be faithful for a season.
No one really understands – everyone assumes, and in the assuming misses the point time and time again; no one can be forced to respond, so the search for freely given affection in the eyes and the actions defines the dance.
He is not to be pitied; he does not find his identity in the objects of his actions or the focus of his thoughts; rather he chooses to set his face, heart and mind on a course of self disclosure rather than a hiding in the shadows.
He sends messages via intermediaries who try their best to convey the reality of the longings and the invitations to respond. In the darkest moments of the relating, some of the messengers become casualties themselves, in an attempt to broker a true union.
In the end they will all be inadequate because none of them can convey the intensity of his feelings, although their presence avoids the risk of overwhelming the receiver with the power of unimaginable forces.
Finally he can contain his longing no more; no more hints, no more whispers, no more shouting; he will not send any more ambassadors.
Now he will send himself; deep calls to deep, for this is a love story. This is Christmas; he is coming for his bride; he will show his hand, declare his heart and will win her – however much it costs. God will empty himself of that which would be too much to bear and, paying great attention to his appearance, dressed in carefully chosen clothes he will arrive in a way that will make everything make sense – if she will but see.
Such is Love
Hebrews 1:1-2
1In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe
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Geoff Shattock
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