Why Then This Darkness?

"The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it" 

Light floods the dark and empty room; beams in the sad hopeless corners. What was lost to the eye now in plain view. 

Light.
Daybreak.
Morning.

As if from the dawn of the very first, he awakes. His eyes in eagerness open. Breathes in the breath of His creator and exhales the death of the past; a holy kiss.

Fresh.
Renewed.
Hopeful.

As if in anticipation, in childish naivety, he moves. His body free, with the rhythms of new life. Carefree and of no concern. 

Possibility.
Horizon.
Newness.

Into the darkness, the light shines. A sword through the death and decay; piercing and slaying. The death of death and the doing away of darkness. 

Victory.
Glory.
Celebration.

Yes, into the darkness, the light shines. 

But, why then this darkness still? I awoke. We awoke. Why then this darkness? Where now is your light to shine? Where now is your sword; your breath of life?

Why then this darkness still?

//ExProfundis//

 

Blowin' In The Wind

Can we ever really 'create' a Spirit-filled environment? Is it ever really possible for us to set things just right and then - because of the setting - be assured that the Spirit of God is among us? Or, maybe the better question is, can a man (pastor or layman) ever really revive a church when he comes to it? Is this within our grasp?

I do believe that many churches and church leaders answer all of these questions with a loud resounding YES! I confess, as well, to have been wooed and tempted many different times by them, often playing at the notion that I too should join the choir of singers and sing the high note in the affirmative. I too am tempted by the thought that it is our responsibility as Christians and especially as pastors to bring about God's Holy Spirit; to bring about powerful revival in the church and in the world.

However, if I understand what Jesus and the Scriptures say about the Holy Spirit and the establishment of the church, to answer these questions in the affirmative sets everything we know about Him backwards. For the Spirit comes at the sending of Jesus. He comes and the church is formed. Yes, the Spirit reveals and the church understands; the Spirit enlivens and the church is revived.

So I wonder if, in a way, our attempts to 'create' revival or 'establish' a community that is 'Spirit-filled' boils down to arrogance. Or perhaps, at worst, idolatry. 

Maybe, as we look to our pastors for revival - we are placing them in the very position of Jesus Christ our Lord - the One who truly sends His Spirit! Maybe those of us who pastor churches should learn to remove ourselves from the place where only the One True Man should stand and beg humbly for the Spirit in prayer. Maybe instead of trying to create a 'Spirit-filled environment' we should humbly look to see where it is that the wind of the Spirit blows and join Him where He is at work. Maybe we should stop laboring so diligently towards a task that is not given to us and instead trade it in for a faithful life of seeking and finding. Yes, human institutions need human maintenance - but God's church is not, and never will be, a purely human institution. Lord willing we can begin to learn our place in it rather than force ourselves upon it.

//Ex Profundis//