7 December 2013 - walk in this way

7 December 2013 - walk in this way


his heart was moved with pity for them
because they were troubled and abandoned,
like sheep without a shepherd.

In our suffering we tend to feel alone.  If we are inclined to loneliness anyway this can progress to a level which is devastating.  We aren't meant to be alone.  We aren't meant for isolation.  This isn't an introvert versus extrovert thing.  Introverts may not have energy to socialize at times but they still need the support that family and friends can provide.  Hermits don't leave everything to be alone.  They leave everything to be even more present to God.  Extroverts can be surrounded by people and filled with the energy that gives them and yet be distant from them all and still lonely at their core.

At the sight of this crowd of all of us the heart of Jesus is moved with pity.  He knows that we are troubled and that we feel abandoned.  As sheep we need our shepherd desperately.  Even if we are surrounded with other sheep we feel isolated and abandoned without a shepherd.  Without a shepherd the other sheep are mixed with wolves.  No one can open himself to fully trust.  Only the shepherd provides the order and constancy that allows the sheep to truly grow close.

He overcomes this isolation and sense of abandonment by showing us how profoundly and deeply he knows who we are.  He bridges the gap between us and other that we cannot overcome.

He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
He tells the number of the stars;
he calls each by name.

He calls each of us by name as well.  We mean more to him than the whole sky of stars.  If we listen so as to hear his call he is no longer hidden.  He is so very close that his voice seems to come from within:

No longer will your Teacher hide himself,
but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher,
While from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears:
“This is the way; walk in it,”
when you would turn to the right or to the left.

This is the blessing that we receive if we wait for the Lord.  He rebuilds all the cities which fall due to our sinfulness.  He gathers all who are dispersed because they forget to listen for the voice of the shepherd.  He comes with healing for all of us.

He will be gracious to you when you cry out,
as soon as he hears he will answer you.

It is from the same desire to be near to us and unite us that he sends the twelve apostles.  He sends them to find "lost sheep of the house of Israel."  He uses the apostle to proclaim that "The Kingdom of heaven is at hand."  And therefore also at hand is the king who comes to us.  Healing follows in his wake.  Let us praise the LORD for his goodness.

Great is our LORD and mighty in power:
to his wisdom there is no limit.