Grief

Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

Right. (Day 9)

“…let your right hand teach you awesome deeds." (Psalm 45:4c)

Intriguing little phrase here concerning the “right hand.” Does one’s right hand actually, literally teach, as if it were an autonomous being all it’s own. What does this mean?

The “right hand” (יָמִין) (pronounced “yä·mēn'”) is the place of honor (seat of His Queen) and friends of the Kingdom. Does this mean this spectacular and mighty King seeks advisement? A king finds glory in exploring matters (Prov. 25:2), to draw from the wise counsel of others. But might there be another consideration?

The language lends to the idea of the King showing off His mighty works. The word “teach” (יָרָה) (pronounced "yarah") includes the idea of “rain down, throw, dispense, shoot, cast, point out, instruct.” Picture this dashing spectacular King riding out giving grace to all who will receive it, The Champion of His cause of Truth, Humility and Right. What a display of power under control! How impressive!

His graceful gifts are extended to everyone, but His justice is dispensed to those who reject His grace. He does not pick and chose “who” gets “what” as if ruling on a whim; instead, He gives to each as they respond to Him. The one who receives Him witnesses the King rain down what he or she does not deserve (grace) while the one who rejects His grace receives the righteous truth of what they do deserve, as they make themselves His enemy.

The one who does what is right, like He does what is right, is blessed by Him, doing what He does. He teaches (as it were) to equip men and women to do what is right--and that is an awesome work, to move mankind to uphold the cause of keeping what is right. 

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