Furthering thoughts for May 28th 2019
“And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” Ephesians 3:19
Recently, we added a hummingbird feeder near the front of our home. After putting up the feeder and stand, we attentively watched what would happen next. And when the first bird came, the children were so excited. These little birds would dart and dive, flutter and fade as they quietly went to the feeder to receive the sweet goodness of sugar and water. And soon enough, as the days passed, our feeder became the local hummingbird 7-eleven as more and more came for the free drink.
There is something mesmerizing about sitting near the window and simply watching these tiny birds feed themselves. It’s quite satisfying seeing these hummingbirds sustain themselves as they come back every single day. Zoey even named a few, “emerald”, and “ruby”, as these are current frequenters to the feeder.
Being fed is important.
The constant hearing of God’s word, studying and reading, praying and dwelling, this is our place of refreshment. Like those little birds who cannot get enough, coming back every minute, every hour, every day because they know the great benefits of food.
However, when we stop hearing the word, or studying and reading, praying and dwelling, our roots wane and whither. Even so, the great deception is that we can be sufficient without God’s Word. Like plants we need continued sustenance lest we will die.
Therefore, “we are like plants in this way. We are watered in the remembrance of our Baptism and live in the light of God’s truth; both help our faith to flourish”. The water and word of Holy Baptism speaks for itself as the word of God robes and covers us in His righteousness. Or as it reads in 1 Peter 3: “Baptism now saves you”. Simple words. Radical Promise.
And by His word, “our roots grow deep and wide, absorbing [ie. hearing, receiving the gifts of Word and Sacrament] all the good things that Scripture has for those who in faith believe”. In faith, there is nothing more important than His word.
Yet as we know, priorities take precedence and as fallen sinners, how we can place importance upon all the wrong things. And thus, we find ourselves “in the adversity of both storms and drought” with nowhere to go. In faith we repent that even in our brokenness we confess our sins and trust as “our faces [look] toward the Son”.
Isaiah 55:1
“Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price”
Jesus. Forgiveness. Life. Salvation.
Nothing sweeter and freer than the Gospel!
Amen.