UP FROM THE WILDERNESS - by Calvin
We all experience times in the wilderness. In fact, I recently had a conversation with a group of friends about our spiritual experiences in wilderness seasons. We described feelings of loneliness, despair, weariness and confusion. One may experience a sense of hot coals burning inside. Even King David groans,"My strength was sapped as in the heat of summer." (Psalm 32:4 NIV) That pretty well summarizes the wilderness experience. And at the same time, it feels like we have lost our connection with God.
One of the men opened his Bible to read a verse that encouraged him during a season in the wilderness. "Who is this coming out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all the merchant's fragrant powders?" (Song of Solomon 3:6 NKJV) He asked, "Could this be Jesus coming out of a wilderness experience?" We quickly gave each other permission to reflect on this verse outside its scriptural context, of course.
As I contemplated the verse, an image formed that was very reassuring. I saw Jesus there with me in a most desolate wilderness valley. He was there even though I could not sense his presence, nor did I have the strength to cry out to him. The Son of God had entered into the dark night of my soul. He sent angels with bread and jars of water to strengthen me. I willingly entered into his rest.
While I was still in agony, Jesus anointed my head with oil. The perfume of precious myrrh and frankincense filled the air. But my senses were deadened to his aroma. I was like a dead man, until the Christ awakened me. Then he sent me out to advance his kingdom once again. I could see that the fiery coals inside me were the prayers of my soul and the pillar of smoke was his sweet fragrance arising along with me. Now, who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on his beloved?
Perhaps this is in the same sense as what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." (2 Corinthians 2:14-15 NIV) Does triumph in Christ arise from the wilderness experience?
The wilderness is a difficult and sometimes frightening place to journey. But we are never there alone, even in the most desolate places of the soul. Jesus went there before us so he is a sure guide. He will meet you down there in your deepest wilderness valley and you will come up bearing the aroma of Christ. Then he will send you in his name to anoint many and perhaps even kings.
At His Mercy,
Calvin
One of the men opened his Bible to read a verse that encouraged him during a season in the wilderness. "Who is this coming out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all the merchant's fragrant powders?" (Song of Solomon 3:6 NKJV) He asked, "Could this be Jesus coming out of a wilderness experience?" We quickly gave each other permission to reflect on this verse outside its scriptural context, of course.
As I contemplated the verse, an image formed that was very reassuring. I saw Jesus there with me in a most desolate wilderness valley. He was there even though I could not sense his presence, nor did I have the strength to cry out to him. The Son of God had entered into the dark night of my soul. He sent angels with bread and jars of water to strengthen me. I willingly entered into his rest.
While I was still in agony, Jesus anointed my head with oil. The perfume of precious myrrh and frankincense filled the air. But my senses were deadened to his aroma. I was like a dead man, until the Christ awakened me. Then he sent me out to advance his kingdom once again. I could see that the fiery coals inside me were the prayers of my soul and the pillar of smoke was his sweet fragrance arising along with me. Now, who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on his beloved?
Perhaps this is in the same sense as what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." (2 Corinthians 2:14-15 NIV) Does triumph in Christ arise from the wilderness experience?
The wilderness is a difficult and sometimes frightening place to journey. But we are never there alone, even in the most desolate places of the soul. Jesus went there before us so he is a sure guide. He will meet you down there in your deepest wilderness valley and you will come up bearing the aroma of Christ. Then he will send you in his name to anoint many and perhaps even kings.
At His Mercy,
Calvin
Comments