Thomas à Kempis talks of "a familiar friendship with Jesus." I would like to really, I mean really know Jesus. I am not talking about a casual relationship that epitomizes most relationships in my life. I am talking intimacy, a feeling of His heartbeat, knowing his thoughts and ways. My desire is to feel the caress of his cheek as He softly sings over me while wiping the tears that flow down my face. It is an encounter, a life-altering, situation changing, passionate touch that I absolutely desire. But am I willing to crucify my own fleshly desires in order to obtain the unmatchable riches that are in Christ?
The Psalmist figured this out when he wrote, "Oh, how I love thy law! It is my meditation all the day… I hold my feet from every evil way, in order to keep thy Word. I do not turn aside from thy ordinances for thou hast taught me." Ps. 119:97, 101, 102
Isaiah said it like this, "But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired." Is. 40:31 (Amplified)
It is in the joy of Christ that the Psalmist also penned these words, "I eat my fill of prime rib and gravy; I smack my lips. It's time to shout praises! If I'm sleepless at midnight, I spend the hours in grateful reflection. Because you've always stood up for me, I'm free to run and play. I hold on to you for dear life, and you hold me steady as a post." Psalm 63:5-8(The Message)
Hmmm… Meditation, waiting, grateful reflection. In the chaos of my life, that sounds like better than a week off work with pay any day and the even greater reward is a much more "familiar friendship with Christ!"
Enjoy the Journey!
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