The House of Mourning
Friday, May 26, 2006
Boom Boom John Knox
Well the Boom, Boom, should be a dead giveaway to anyone who read what I said here, that I've been listening to Reverend Paisley. His sermon was on the life and work of John Knox. He spoke of when Knox was a slave, and in the greatest pit of oppression, and I know that pit because of different circumstances, but just as dark and just as oppressive. And Reverend Paisley said, its easy for any of us to stand for God when everyone is telling us how good we are doing, and patting us on the back, yet alone in a pit, is when the truth of how far you will stand speaks out. It kind of assured me where assurance can be so lacking, because I know what a single hour in this pit can entail. Not a day goes by at some time I don't feel bodily I am on the rack, and sometimes it can last for days. To endure it all separated almost entirely from all things and others of the faith, is oppressive to the utmost. And knowing in large measure its BECAUSE of my faith, even more so. And I know how my Reformed Presbyterian beliefs have left me in a wilderness, not by those who are clearly hypocrites, but by those who I believe will also one day be in Heaven. But, I think Reverend Paisley was right. It is easy to stand for God, when there is no risk to life or soul to do so. When theres always someone around to tell us we are doing well. But, and I speak from the experience of a level of oppression that is really in the same equation as what Knox and Martrys of God experienced, it takes a lot more to stand for God when experiencing that level of adversity, day in day out, week in week out, month in month out etc. By God's grace He is letting me. My prayer is that He continues to do so, because yes I do and alot of the time are even joyful in it, but its by no means easy in any reckoning of the term easy.
The house of mourning however, does have its upside. I am currently reading as part of my devotionslas Eccles, and read what Solomon had to say on the house of mourning, and he is so right in many respects. I could be sowing all the oats I never ate, and laughing my way to hell. I do still have the whacky sense of humour, yet I also find myself much more serious minded, in many respects. The house or mourning is the school of God. but as hard as the house of mourning is, it does have its benefits too.
On a totally different note, beware of an email scam from "Eco Bank" mine was from a chappie named MR Rishi Gosine. Theres a new one every week, don't be the "one" who bites the wicked hand, thinking it will feed you. |
