Thanks to "St.Francis Square radio," I have a new LSS (or Last Song Syndrome) today:
"Do you know what it feels like loving someone that's in a rush to throw you away?"
Actually, that's the only line that stuck to me. After Googling it, I discovered that it's a song by Enrique Iglesias... and that I don't know the melody of the next lines. Haha!
But as I was singing this line again and again at the office and on my way home (torturing and embarrassing Yux with matching dance steps in public), I realized how this line can very likely be a tune that Jesus is singing. And to Enrique Iglesias Jesus might say, "Yes, as a matter of fact, I do know what it feels like."
I have been reading a book by one of my favorite authors, Philip Yancey, called DISAPPOINTMENT WITH GOD. Truth be told, God is exposing my heart lately and has revealed "offensive ways" in me: I have been disappointed with Him and I am too weak to be ok. And I realize it's because I don't know Him well enough.
What struck me about the book, so far, is the reality that God is, in fact, an emotional, hurting, angry, grieving, forgiving Lover... desperately inlove but holy...
As the author puts it,
"But the prophets, and especially Hosea, communicate one message above all others: God is the betrayed one. It was Israel, not God, who had gone a-whoring. The prophets of Israel had expressed a profound disappointment in God, accusing him of acting aloof, unconcerned, silent. But when God spoke, he poured out emotions pent up for centuries. And he, not Israel, was the truly disappointed party." (pp. 95)
The first parts of the book discuss the dilemma of how when God spoke audibly and acted tangibly in behalf of His people (first parts of the Old Testament), the people still ended up forsaking Him, ignoring Him, or feeling more distant from Him because of His holiness (begging that God would not speak to them directly). And so God resolved to use His Word through the prophets to speak on His behalf. Still nothing. They wouldn't listen, and they preferred to hear only "good prophecies." Finally, to bridge the gap and express His ultimate love, His holiness and His Word became flesh: Jesus... Still, people rejected Him because He wasn't how they assumed a king or a Son of God should be.
I'm not yet done with the book, but it's giving me a whole new perspective on God. And on myself and how I've been treating my Heavenly Father and Holy Lover.
Several quotes keep coming back to my memory: "God's love is settled on the Cross." No matter what happens and what God allows in my life, He has given the ultimate expression of His love through Jesus and His death on the Cross. Also, "What hurts God most is not our Sin, but it's when we doubt that He loves us." *sigh*
As the author puts it,
"But the prophets, and especially Hosea, communicate one message above all others: God is the betrayed one. It was Israel, not God, who had gone a-whoring. The prophets of Israel had expressed a profound disappointment in God, accusing him of acting aloof, unconcerned, silent. But when God spoke, he poured out emotions pent up for centuries. And he, not Israel, was the truly disappointed party." (pp. 95)
The first parts of the book discuss the dilemma of how when God spoke audibly and acted tangibly in behalf of His people (first parts of the Old Testament), the people still ended up forsaking Him, ignoring Him, or feeling more distant from Him because of His holiness (begging that God would not speak to them directly). And so God resolved to use His Word through the prophets to speak on His behalf. Still nothing. They wouldn't listen, and they preferred to hear only "good prophecies." Finally, to bridge the gap and express His ultimate love, His holiness and His Word became flesh: Jesus... Still, people rejected Him because He wasn't how they assumed a king or a Son of God should be.
I'm not yet done with the book, but it's giving me a whole new perspective on God. And on myself and how I've been treating my Heavenly Father and Holy Lover.
Several quotes keep coming back to my memory: "God's love is settled on the Cross." No matter what happens and what God allows in my life, He has given the ultimate expression of His love through Jesus and His death on the Cross. Also, "What hurts God most is not our Sin, but it's when we doubt that He loves us." *sigh*
2 comments:
Hi, it's a very great blog.
I could tell how much efforts you've taken on it.
Keep doing!
We owe it to the everyday experiences God has given us. Thanks Olive Tree Guitar Ensemble! We appreciate you reading our blogs. This encourages us to experience God more!
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