Anger Induced Walkabout

I’ve been going for a bit of a walkabout in Hebrews. You know, Crocodile Dundee style, where you take off and spend months wondering around getting to know the lay of the land, and ultimately yourself. It is a gooood book. So much to chew on, that is, if you are looking for some good solid food (Hebrews 5:11-14). I guess you could just read it through, but it’s best to bring a shovel and dig in, confront the adolescent within you, emerge a woman! (Or man, as the case may be).

I should start by saying that it was anger that prompted this journey. Cancer. Another beloved relative. Again. Those words seem so big, and so devastating. It didn’t take long for me to find Hebrews 3:6, “But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.” I needed this message badly, and stayed here for a good long while. Christ is faithful, we are His, have courage, hold on to hope. When I find myself asking why, or getting angry, this is my prayer. Each time I say it, I feel a little more honest, a little more comforted, and a little less alone. The author of Hebrews is right, “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (4:12-13).

On this walkabout, I am learning about a great priest who is able to sympathize with my weaknesses, and in whom I can find grace and mercy in a time of need. During Holy Week, I lingered in Hebrews 9 and 10, and was encouraged by the Mediator of a new and better covenant. I read about the limitations of sacrifices, and about the limitless love and power that encompass one final sacrifice. And, I am learning about faith, and my need for more of it. I am less angry, most days. But, the most significant thing I have come to know, is that I am not alone on this journey, Christ is with me. Likewise, my loved ones do not suffer alone, Christ suffers with them. It’s been raw, and tough, and a more than a little comforting, so far.

Today, I’m hanging out in Hebrews 12, wrestling with the things in my life that can be shaken, and the things in my life that cannot. I’ll be here a while.

26At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." 27The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29for our "God is a consuming fire."