Scripture Reading: Psalm 147
Meditation:
“A pearl is a beautiful thing that is produced by an injured life. It is the tear that results from the injury of the oyster. The treasure of our being in this world is also produced by an injured life. If we had not been wounded, if we had not been injured, then we will not produce the pearl.”
~ Stephan Hoeller
The bad news is that we are all walking wounded. The good news is that we will never identify with Christ without a wound. Nail-scarred hands and gaping side demand intimate acquaintance with sacrifice. Faith that costs us little may be worth about the same. It has been said that “We turn to God when the foundations of our lives are shaking only to find out that it has been God who was shaking them.” Such thinking runs counter to the present day obsession with slick and polish, ease and comfort. I’m increasingly leery of churches and religious leaders that make Christ-following “hip.” The next time your heart is injured or your spirit crushed, look to the cross–you will find a kindred spirit there.
DANE FOWLKES 