I especially like "Emmanuel is the bone-splitting Truth." Great insights! Interesting though, I've always read the passage of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda differently. Based on the man's reaction when Jesus asks, "Do you want to be healed," I assume he *heard* accusation that wasn't there. Like, "Don't you want healing? Why aren't you trying to get into the water? It's your fault you're not healed." I don't think he's not wanting Jesus as much as he's been burned by the prosperity gospel of the pharisees and needs help understanding the compassion of the True Savior. For me, that passage is so much more about not letting circumstances or pain (physical or social) grow a bitter root and keep me from hearing the voice of my Lord and having the courage to believe even when my past says differently.
reading G.M. Hopkins in my school years. There probably are others, but I have been distant from this type of poetry for years. Thank you. I’m coming back.
Beautiful! He is indeed everything! I do agree with you, sometimes it's only a subtle distraction that we hardly even notice that tilts our purposeful devotional time with our Lord and King. But He is near us gently assuring us that He is always with us.
I especially like "Emmanuel is the bone-splitting Truth." Great insights! Interesting though, I've always read the passage of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda differently. Based on the man's reaction when Jesus asks, "Do you want to be healed," I assume he *heard* accusation that wasn't there. Like, "Don't you want healing? Why aren't you trying to get into the water? It's your fault you're not healed." I don't think he's not wanting Jesus as much as he's been burned by the prosperity gospel of the pharisees and needs help understanding the compassion of the True Savior. For me, that passage is so much more about not letting circumstances or pain (physical or social) grow a bitter root and keep me from hearing the voice of my Lord and having the courage to believe even when my past says differently.
What else is there, indeed.
New reader/commenter here: I have not seen a more moving poem since
reading G.M. Hopkins in my school years. There probably are others, but I have been distant from this type of poetry for years. Thank you. I’m coming back.
Yes, Yes and Yes again! Always, every moment ...you said it so well! Beautiful words, beautiful truth! Thank you!
Beautiful! He is indeed everything! I do agree with you, sometimes it's only a subtle distraction that we hardly even notice that tilts our purposeful devotional time with our Lord and King. But He is near us gently assuring us that He is always with us.
This is such an encouragement.
Amen, “what else is there?”
Cheers!
I needed this one today, thank you.
Encouraging and convicting - thanks!
So convicting. Thanks again, Andrew.