Reclining in the Grass
Bob Flynn, President/CEO
"Live in such a way that God's love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you." (Jude 21 NLT96)
I have heard it said that life is all mind over matter. “If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.” (Mark Twain) In the midst of a universe, that from my humble perspective, whose length, breadth and depth are seemingly immeasurable, how can I matter at all? And if my plight should bring me to picturesque mountain top or dark and cavernous valley, what matter?
I had occasion to “recline in the grass” of late for an extended period of time. Truth be known, I am lying there still. More thought provoking yet, I will be lying there for all eternity. If the Lord tarries, then those who come after me may see the end of all matter, yet the "only immortal, invisible, God only wise" will live on and we with Him who have believed in His only begotten Son.
Perhaps the events of life ought to be looked upon as an opportunity for God's love to bless. I have often found myself saying, "God is good" after seeing a joyous event in the lives of His people. But wasn't He also good at the memorial service for the dearly departed? Was His goodness somehow absent as I celebrated my 60th birthday not knowing that a cancer was growing within? Some days later, prostrate in the surgical suite, as well-trained hands deftly removed the “poisoned pill” from my kidney and preserved its function, was goodness lacking? Yet only an hour before, another sojourner lost this same organ and was put upon a path of longsuffering and uncertainty called chemotherapy. Was my fate now changed? Or was it only illuminated?
I cannot testify for others but for me His love surrounded me in ways that defy description. Though He did make me lie down in green pastures, I was not alone. Family, friends, elders, and pastor were physically present there with me. I felt the warmth of the prayers of the thousands of saints who were interceding for me "in light inaccessible hid from our eyes." Not only these but "most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, almighty, victorious," whose great Name I "praise" was also there in our midst.
Where could I choose to go that would be better than to recline in the grass prepared for me in a universe created by Him, for Him and through Him where, because of His "clouds which are fountains of goodness and love," my life matters. It matters to Him!
Is life better if it is longer? Or does the child who dies while yet in the womb held less precious by Him who “To all, life thou givest, to both great and small; in all life thou livest, the true life of all.” When we are allowed to sojourn in green pasture, it is during this reclining that we are able to see Him more fully. Though our gaze be veiled for now, the light revealed to us is most precious! It is the hope upon which we cling until that day when we are allowed to gaze fully upon His face — the face of Him who died for us.
When that day comes, would it not be made more blessed because we have remembrance of the blood moon of Calvary? Will not the first gaze be given greater grandeur because of the travail of tears shed in living sacrifice by the mercies of God?
Peter is right when he reminded us:
So be truly glad! There is a wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold — and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trial, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on that day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love Him even though you have never seen Him. Though you do not see Him, you trust Him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy. Your reward for trusting Him will be the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:6-9 NLT96)