Day 48 of 90 Devotion

Dearest e-votees-

Day forty-eight of our cover to cover voyage through the Bible. We have completed Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs (22 down, 44 to go). If you want to see the readings for our trip through the Bible you can follow this link:

www.christthegoodshep.org/biblein90days.html

Peace,
Karl

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Day 48 Readings: Ecclesiastes 3:1-Song of Songs 8:14

Today's reading starts with the Byrds and ends with the bes. (sorry, I couldn't resist)

Our reading begins with the sources material for the Byrd's song:

"Turn, Turn, Turn"
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4ga_M5Zdn4)

There is a rhythm to our lives. There is a warp and woof, a wax and a wane, a season of abundance and a season of lying fallow. Part of the wisdom of Solomon is that we are in a series of undulations(Screwtape as recorded by C.S. Lewis had a few things to say about this as well). Part of our journey in this life is riding out the waves that wash over us. This is, of course, easier to do when we recall the baptismal waters that washed us most thoroughly and ensure our futures regardless of where the waves of this world drive us.

The other wisdom that is throughout Ecclesiastes, and I would say Song of Songs too, is to "be". We are not always certain of where we are going. Sometimes the wicked seem to prevail. Sometimes the promises beyond the grave seem too good to grasp. But there is wisdom and joy and hope in finding people and work that bring us joy and hunkering down with them. God comes to us incarnationally. Most profoundly, of course, in Jesus but God enters into our lives through others (Luther called that "mutual consolation of the saints") and God gives us purpose and direction through vocations ("callings") on our life. As we rest in these people and these callings the waves of life won't batter us around so much.

Solomon in all his wisdom doesn't always seem so happy but he seems to know a thing or two about joy. We can find it in the song of the Byrds and the workaday world of the bes.


God, thank you for sending Jesus. Thank you for sending ones to love and callings to tend as well. Help us rest in you no matter how the waters of life splash us around. Amen.