Eastertide
April 27, 2014
Read Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9
In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. — 1 Peter 1:6-9
In the happy night, In secret, when none saw me,
Nor I beheld aught, Without light or guide, save that which burned
in my heart.
This light guided me More surely than the light of noonday
To the place where he (well I knew who!) was awaiting me– A place
where none appeared.—From Dark Night of the Soul by John of the Cross
John of the Cross penned this poem in the sixteenth century while in prison for reformations he was trying to make in the church.
The writer of I Peter, while recognizing that the people to whom he was writing suffered great trials, noted that they obviously had passed through a Dark Night of the Soul similar to that described by John of the Cross. They had thus fully embraced the resurrected Christ.
Both this scripture and this poem describe a relationship with Christ that is transcendent. It is a faith in a world full of questions that does not fear uncertainty. A hope when all seems lost that awaits abundance. A love as gentle as a plant seed adrift in the breeze that is stronger than death itself.
Prayer: Open the eyes of my heart, Lord—Open the eyes of my heart. I want to see You. Amen. –Michael W. Smith
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.