Flatiron from Brown’s Peak Saddle – Four Peaks Wilderness (Photo credit: Al_HikesAZ)

Discussion thought of the Day:

“The wilderness is still the place of worship. (as it was for Israel)   But for you and me ist is a matter of dunes and dry ground.  In fact, it may be deceptively gree.  Our Hunger and thirst are more spiritual realities than physical ones.  The desolation we often experience involves our yearning for a more palpable feeling of the Presence of God.  We need spiritual bread every it as much as they needed the manna in the wilderness.  Our deep need for Living Water is as intense as any thirst their parch throats ever knew.
As so we look to the One whose coming incranated for us the Manna, the Living Waterand the presence of God.  Jesus has entered into the wilderness of our wilderness and found us…. ” (1)

In a few hours I will be mentioning this passage in class.  This morning – as most morning goes – the revelation that Michael Card mentions above was why we gathered for church.  And even there, as I preached about the bondage caused by sin, and talked about our helplessness and need for Christ, I could “see” those who were burdened for others or by their own problems.  We are, in many ways – so similar to Israel wandering in the desert – awaiting a promised land.

I wonder how many of us realize the fertile ground that exists in the desert – just a little water – and it blossoms with plants and flowers, incredible beauty – in the midst of what was thought to be barren.  It just takes the touch of heaven to bring it forth.

So to in our lives….I’ve seen it too many many times to count.  There is great beauty in the wilderness – there is a dance that comes from mourning, there is always life and reconciliation where we thought there was only darkness and despair.  The key… simply is worship – worshipping the One who invades our wilderness, who brings light into the darkness. Who comes with compassion and comfort.

And in that darkness, in that solitude – as we find Christ finding us… we find life – and a life that praises – that glories – that begins to recognize the healing brought to us. …

And oh – how we need it.  O how I need it – even though I know it is there…

If I can help you find it – this hope, this incredible mercy, this love and the presence of God, I would love to….

For as I see you find it – I am reminded it is there for me as well.

Lord Have mercy on us, and help us realize Jesus, that you have!

(1) Michael Card, The Sacred Sorrow – page 24

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• A Violent Grace by Michael Card (crossingbookstore.wordpress.com)
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