Entering In.
I was listening to the song “Most Beautiful” sung by Maverick City for my devotional time this morning. At some point, the song refers to the gaze of Jesus whilst on the Cross. It really hit me. His “yes” came at a heavy price. This is one way we know that joy and happiness are two distinct things. Happiness may have joy in it, but joy goes deeper. Joy suffers well. Joy digs deep. Joy looks forward, calling things that are not as though they were, and then waiting for them with unrelenting faith. The joy of Jesus saw your face at Calvary. I don’t know how else to express it, but mothers know, it’s the satisfaction of enduring love, so you can one day gaze into your child’s eyes. The expectant mother must “see” her child and imagine her or him in her arms. Joy from the womb, one may say, awaits and prepares for the greater joy of the tangible and carnate child. Beholding turns into holding.
I believe the Joy of Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit is still waiting to hold you, tangibly, at His table where the place is set for you, by name. We can enter it, past the veil that was torn, which is Jesus' body, into an intimate place with the God of the Universe. It’s a beautiful thing. Why stay afar? Why only touch the hem of his robe? Why not lean on his breast like John (I’m so jealous of him), and listen to the heartbeat of your Maker?
Imagine yourself entering in. The barefoot steps each have a name. Like grass beneath your feet, or sand, breathe in, breathe out. Prayer, Forgiveness, Faith, Acceptance, Love, Desire, Sacrifice…
I don’t know what your steps are. The essentials, I think, are forgiveness and faith. But the point is, enter in. Enter in.
One day, corruptible will be replaced with incorruptible, and he promises a new way to be with Him. Face to face. Beheld, beloved, eyes wide open. Will there be steps to enter in, at that point? Because I think I will rather stay there and never leave. I love the fact that the resurrected Christ ate food, had scars, lingered, taught, and invited Thomas to touch his wounds.
What joy was fulfilled! And yet, He still waits for more guests to come. He is still growing His family. The names are waiting to be written at His table. He said, “Yes.” Won’t you also say “yes”? It cost Him more than we can know. But in just one breath, you can enter deeper still into His love.
Oh, the riches of knowing Him!
Verses that inspired this post:
The veil and the body of Jesus: Hebrews 10:20
John resting on Jesus: John 13:23
Corruptible and Incorruptible: 1 Corinthians 15:53-55
Heavenly Feast: Revelation 19:9
Thomas sees and touches Jesus’ wounds: John 20:27-31
Enduring Joy: Isaiah 51:11; John 15:11; Romans 15:13
