paravanes:meditations

Revelation 21:4 says "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." The book of Revelation should never be thought of as a frightening book filled with terror and judgment. The terror and judgment are reserved only for those who reject God's move into a new order, where tears and suffering and pain are permanently removed from the human experience. Every person is now welcome to reject the evil of our present time and embrace God's will and God's order. And for those who have suffered and grieved in this time, know that God will wipe away all tears from our eyes.  Picture yourself as a sad or hurt child who climbs into the lap of a loving parent. Picture that loving parent wrapping strong arms of consolation around you, listening to you explain what has hurt you, frightened you, scared you. Imagine yourself free to let the tears of grief fall from your eyes. I...

If you are a Star Trek fan (like me), you recognize this phrase. Spoken by Vulcans when a friend or well- regarded person has suffered a loss, this phrase (“I grieve with thee”) is a way of saying “I recognize your sadness and suffering. I accept it as real and painful. Because we are friends, I am willing to let you have your pain and I am willing to share your pain with you.” I wish more Christians would use this phrase or something like it when a friend or family member suffers a loss, especially a death or disabling accident or disability. If you have spent much time around “church people”, you have probably heard one or more of these phrases: “God knows best.” “We loved him, but God loved him more.” “You can have another baby.” “God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform.” “Who are we to question God?” “She’s with the angels now.” Please. Why do so many of us feel the need to fill the empty space in a room by speaking words that crush the need of a wounded pers...