WILLING TO GIVE

 

All that is unspoken

And all that is unseen

All that I feel

In the depths of my soul

I long to give to Thee.

 

And all that You ask of me

And all that I am

I will place

On the altar of sacrifice

for Thee.

 

I give You my all

Because a heart

Can give no more.

 

-       CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Artist Unknown)

A LIVING BOOK PART 2

 

One of the reasons why I believe  the Old Testament is a living book is because all the prophecies have not yet been fulfilled, least of all ‘the marital relationship’ between Jehovah and Israel:

“The Saviour commonly described his relationship with ancient Israel as a marriage. So when Israel descended into patterns of sustained disobedience to Jehovah’s commandments, Israel was “unfaithful”, like an unfaithful spouse. The Lord thus warned through Moses that Israel should not worship other gods, for Jehovah ‘is a jealous God’…..

“In expressing the permanence of his covenants with Israel, again the Lord used the language of marriage: “I will betroth thee unto me forever….and I will say to them….thou art my people, and they shall say, Thou art my God.” (Hosea 2:19,23) (Elder Bruce C. Hafen, “The Belonging Heart” p 142)

Until we, Israel, are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb, we are betroth to the Saviour (Revelation 19:7-9). In plain terms, we are in the ‘engagement period’ awaiting the wedding. And this is something of importance to us as we wait. Ancient betrothal was a legally binding agreement considered as serious and unbreakable as a marriage itself, with a formal divorce required for any separation. The Saviour already considers us His own because of the covenants we have made with Him…..hence He is a jealous God.

Why would the Saviour describe our relationship to Him through the metaphor of marriage? It’s all about love. There is a word in Hebrew which is difficult to render in English. It is usually translated as ‘steadfast love’. The Hebrew word is HESED. It is a covenant word that refers to the faithfulness or loyal love that binds two people together in covenant.

This love is motivated by an inner loyalty which arises out of the relationship itself and not by legal obligation. Such covenant love has the quality of constancy, firmness and steadfastness. It is a love you have for another that you would never break because of deep loyalty you feel towards them. This is the bride that the Saviour wants…..a deeply committed one grounded in love.

The only way to understand HESED is to understand God’s love for the House of Israel. The scriptures are replete with messages of love for us from the Saviour: we are chosen to be a special people above all people upon the face of the earth (Det 7:6); He would sacrifice others for Israel (Isaiah 43:1-7); He has redeemed us because we are His (Isaiah 43:1-3); Israel is ‘the apple of His eye’ (Det 32:9,10; Zechariah 2:8; Psalm 17:8).

And this is the pinnacle of His love: Even though we often wander and break our covenant with Him, the Saviour will NEVER break His covenant with us (Deuteronomy 4:31; Leviticus 26:44,46; Isaiah 49:15,16; 2 Kings 13:23). And this is why: “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands….” (Isaiah 49:16). This is HESED.

Such love as Yours

Burning bright in our hearts,

We will forever know.

Through highs and lows,

Through depths unknown,

Its flame we will carry with us

Wherever we go.

We await Thy call…..

 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Art: Sending Forth the Bride by Danny Hahlbohm)

SIMEON'S MOMENT

 

I discovered this painting recently by Ron DiCianni entitled "Simeon's Moment". The painting had me revisit the story of Simeon in Luke 2:25-35. I cannot adequately describe the tearful emotion that swelled within my heart. It wasn't just Simeon's story that touched the depth of my soul but the artist who was so moved by this incident of joy that someone felt to hold the Son of God in his arms. 

It had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen 'the Lord's Christ' (Luke 2:26). Simeon waited a long time and was well stricken in age when the Spirit led him to the temple the day Mary and Joseph had brought the Christ child to offer sacrifice for his birth as was the Mosaic law of the day (Luke 2:22-24). Simeon took the Christ child into his arms and pronounced Him to be the awaited Messiah, the glory of Israel and the light to the Gentiles (Luke 2:32). And then he said something highly significant to Mary: "A sword shall pierce through thy own soul....that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (v35).

I reflected on the signs of the times around us which are being fulfilled and how close the Saviour might be to returning, even at the door (Matt 24:33; Mark 13:29; JS-M 1:39; D&C 110:16). I hear some people being scared of this thought but some elated at the prospect. How many of us will be over-joyed when we see Him coming in the clouds of heaven? I have a daughter whose patriarchal blessing tells her she will be here when the Saviour returns. She is no longer on the gospel path. How will she feel when that 'great and dreadful day' of the Lord comes? I cannot trust my heart to contemplate this scenario. 

When He comes we will have nothing to give Him but our hearts and whatever is in them. After all, this is the greatest gift one can give to another. Will we be ashamed when our hearts are laid bare before Him or will we be eager to show Him that He resides there? May we be overjoyed like Simeon because we have waited with eagerness for His appearing and may our hearts be imbued with faith and love to make them fit for an offering to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings; the King of Israel, the Prince of Peace, the   Bread of Life and the Living Water.

How can I tell you

What my mortal lips cannot say?

How can I show you

What my mortal heart cannot hold?

All that I feel

And all that I am

I owe to you.

I give you my all

Because a heart can give no more. 

- Cathryne Allen

(Art by Ron DiCianni)