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O what wonders coming toward us now
Saturday, December 6, 2014
First Week of Advent
Isaiah 30:20-21
No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher,
while from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears: “This is the way; walk in it.”
Six times in Isaiah 5, and then six more times in Isaiah 28-33, the prophet cries out “Woe!” But as is so common in Isaiah, he begins with rebuking God’s people and ends with rebuking their enemies and with a promise of restoration.
This is not just a mild mildewed milkweed restoration … Isaiah’s vision stretches back to Eden and forward to heaven. It doesn’t get any better than this. Hearing God, and even seeing God, is how we live our lives. There is no space, no distance, no silence between us. Only the rich, whole joy of being one.
Eastern Orthodox theology has a word for this: theosis. The goal is the attainment of likeness to or union with God. According to this teaching, theosis is the goal of human life.
I often wonder how to live the question “After I’m saved, what next?” What happens when I show up every day to pray, and listen for God, and love others with words and deeds? This idea of theosis suggests an answer: I become “one” with God. It sounds a little outrageous, and it also sounds a little too wonderful for words. On earth? Before I die?
Well, why not? Isaiah’s vision expands mine. God’s in charge, I’m not. My theology is not in charge. My skepticism is not in charge. Thank God.
So I’ll show up today, and tomorrow, and the next day. As long as I have breath left in me, I’ll show up, be still, and know that God is God.
Be still, and know that I am God. Be still, and know that I am. Be still, and know. Be still. BE.
http://www.christiancounselingservice.com/archived_devotions.php?article_id=1301
