This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.
1 John 3:16, NIV
Love is in the air. The glaring Chinese New Year decorations have been taken over by little and big hearts hung all over. Malls are adorned by sweet pink and purples, splashed with bright attractive reds. Romantic ideas are introduced and advertised for commercial lures. The commercial world strongly suggests these are ideal presentation of love every Feb 14.
While the world celebrates this crazy little thing called, “LOVE”, yes, I call it crazy because people will do the most crazy thing to impress their supposedly beloved. The ancient path has always been a pathway of love. Not an abstract tone. Christ’s concrete demonstration of love led him to the most powerful act – death on the Cross.
Today’s verse is a concise and profound statement.
How do we know what love is? We know by this revelation of truth. His deep and tangible love is clearly distinguished with all other kinds. His action accomplished God’s purpose – he died so we can live, and live it to the full (John 10:10)
While the world celebrates Valentine’s Day without full comprehension, history tells us there were a few martyrs named Valentine who defended the Christian faith in the early centuries. Their noble sacrificial death was honored on Feb 14. It was not until the 14th century when the legendary romantic facet was introduced. Thus the craze of this celebration peaks through the generations diluting the origin of this honour.
I believe Valentines are heroes to be honoured but they must had experienced the power of their Ultimate Lover, Jesus to come to the point of death for his cause, for “we love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
What are you celebrating today?
Whether you are all hyped up for a romantic dinner with your beloved, or feeling lonely with no dates, do not forget the Ultimate Lover. He is waiting for you…
My Beloved Lord, I thank you for your everlasting love through such a powerful demonstration by laying down your very life for me. I love you, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Monday, February 14, 2011
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Lover of My Soul
Chap Goh Meh/Valentine's Day Thoughts...
My mind runs through the women I have met throughout the week. Women walking in various seasons of life. Different ages. Different life passages. They are all across the spectrum. My heart beat faster as I thought and prayed for each of them...
...She sat beside him at the ICU bed. Head dived next to his. Only whispers of desperation heard. Her dying husband diagnosed with brain tumour thriving on ventilator support. They only shared two years' of marriage. She was a young bride and now a highly potential widow.
...She is caring for her terminally ill husband and raising her growing children. I could see and sense her determination to be strong for her family as we talked.
...She was widowed while pregnant with her firstborn. Her husband died in a motor vehicle accident. Now the child is 2. Today, another burden is added on her shoulder. She cares for her aging mum diagnosed with cancer, dressing her wound daily.
...She dripped the eye-drops into her husband's operated eye for cataract. The brief exchange of look and touch of this 2 hourly routine speaks of their committed love over four decades.
...She is happily married. Awaiting her firstborn's arrival. Anticipating the joy of motherhood. Her husband adores her.
...She is elated. She just sealed the deal. The ring is on her finger. He proposed!
...She is ready. Seeking for a life partner. Wondering when she will meet the God-sent guy. Perhaps the man isn't ready, we joked!
...They are supposedly in the normal rhythm. Many young mums desiring to give their best to raise the young.Some pursuing their dreams as they stepped into the working force. One ready for baptism. The other searching for answers of who God is. My preteens maturing in feminity. My kindergarthener with endless questions.
As my prayers go forth for these girls and women of my life, the reservoir of my heart ruptured with a gush of tears. This world is screaming for purpose and compassion.
Overwhelming for a week's encounter.
As the Lunar New Year comes to the end of its fifteen day's celebration, I am reminded of the classic teaser of urging young maidens to throw mandarin oranges into the sea. The Chinese saying, "tim kam chua hoe ang" (throw mandarin oranges to marry good husband) always make us giggle and poke fun at each other. Many of us always think its a foolish thing to do. Definitely more worthwhile to throw oranges into our mouths to quench our thirst, and satisfy our tastebuds! Of course, it was a good excuse for young maidens to go out in the old era. But, for modern urban girls, we absolutely don't need Chap Goh Meh to be an excuse to go out anymore.
Having said that, every human heart still longs for intimate love. All girls desire to marry a good husband though not by throwing juicy fruit into the sea. What a futile effort! As we close the Lunar New Year, another special day will hit the commercial world. The demand of flowers and all sorts of lovely gifts call for the attention of lovers. Valentine's Day is just five days away. Perhaps the economic downturn will affect the celebration this year in a certain degree. Nevertheless, there will still be some trumpeting of the "love is in the air" note.
The Bible is filled with pages of love notes from the Eternal Lover to each of us. We, the female gender shares one common need - a deep emotional intimacy.
From the youngest child to the golden age...
From the happy to the hurting...
no one loves us more than he who lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). No greater love than this!
His love is more delightful than wine (Song of Songs 1:2). Wine is a symbol of celebration. Wine has healing properties. God's love is far greater than this!! Yes, we need to celebrate Him. He rejoices with us in good days. Yet, His love heals and soothes the pain of the harsh weather of life. Women - young and old...we need to find our way into the bridal chamber and experience divine romance with our Lord, the Lover of our Soul. Our security. Our song. Our salvation. Let us take delight, adore and long after him - "Take me away with you - let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers." (Song of Songs 1:4)
Throughout the ages, his invitation is, "Come!" The delightful longing and adoring affection displayed by the maiden in Song of Songs and the hastening call in Rev.22:17 of the bride give an imagery of that deep longing. The Divine Groom is ever ready and awaiting for each of us. Will you come...into the bridal chamber?
My mind runs through the women I have met throughout the week. Women walking in various seasons of life. Different ages. Different life passages. They are all across the spectrum. My heart beat faster as I thought and prayed for each of them...
...She sat beside him at the ICU bed. Head dived next to his. Only whispers of desperation heard. Her dying husband diagnosed with brain tumour thriving on ventilator support. They only shared two years' of marriage. She was a young bride and now a highly potential widow.
...She is caring for her terminally ill husband and raising her growing children. I could see and sense her determination to be strong for her family as we talked.
...She was widowed while pregnant with her firstborn. Her husband died in a motor vehicle accident. Now the child is 2. Today, another burden is added on her shoulder. She cares for her aging mum diagnosed with cancer, dressing her wound daily.
...She dripped the eye-drops into her husband's operated eye for cataract. The brief exchange of look and touch of this 2 hourly routine speaks of their committed love over four decades.
...She is happily married. Awaiting her firstborn's arrival. Anticipating the joy of motherhood. Her husband adores her.
...She is elated. She just sealed the deal. The ring is on her finger. He proposed!
...She is ready. Seeking for a life partner. Wondering when she will meet the God-sent guy. Perhaps the man isn't ready, we joked!
...They are supposedly in the normal rhythm. Many young mums desiring to give their best to raise the young.Some pursuing their dreams as they stepped into the working force. One ready for baptism. The other searching for answers of who God is. My preteens maturing in feminity. My kindergarthener with endless questions.
As my prayers go forth for these girls and women of my life, the reservoir of my heart ruptured with a gush of tears. This world is screaming for purpose and compassion.
Overwhelming for a week's encounter.
As the Lunar New Year comes to the end of its fifteen day's celebration, I am reminded of the classic teaser of urging young maidens to throw mandarin oranges into the sea. The Chinese saying, "tim kam chua hoe ang" (throw mandarin oranges to marry good husband) always make us giggle and poke fun at each other. Many of us always think its a foolish thing to do. Definitely more worthwhile to throw oranges into our mouths to quench our thirst, and satisfy our tastebuds! Of course, it was a good excuse for young maidens to go out in the old era. But, for modern urban girls, we absolutely don't need Chap Goh Meh to be an excuse to go out anymore.
Having said that, every human heart still longs for intimate love. All girls desire to marry a good husband though not by throwing juicy fruit into the sea. What a futile effort! As we close the Lunar New Year, another special day will hit the commercial world. The demand of flowers and all sorts of lovely gifts call for the attention of lovers. Valentine's Day is just five days away. Perhaps the economic downturn will affect the celebration this year in a certain degree. Nevertheless, there will still be some trumpeting of the "love is in the air" note.
The Bible is filled with pages of love notes from the Eternal Lover to each of us. We, the female gender shares one common need - a deep emotional intimacy.
From the youngest child to the golden age...
From the happy to the hurting...
no one loves us more than he who lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). No greater love than this!
His love is more delightful than wine (Song of Songs 1:2). Wine is a symbol of celebration. Wine has healing properties. God's love is far greater than this!! Yes, we need to celebrate Him. He rejoices with us in good days. Yet, His love heals and soothes the pain of the harsh weather of life. Women - young and old...we need to find our way into the bridal chamber and experience divine romance with our Lord, the Lover of our Soul. Our security. Our song. Our salvation. Let us take delight, adore and long after him - "Take me away with you - let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers." (Song of Songs 1:4)
Throughout the ages, his invitation is, "Come!" The delightful longing and adoring affection displayed by the maiden in Song of Songs and the hastening call in Rev.22:17 of the bride give an imagery of that deep longing. The Divine Groom is ever ready and awaiting for each of us. Will you come...into the bridal chamber?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)