When we read Holy Scripture - often the recognition of walking - on dry land. The significance - not walking in water - crossing from one side to the other - on dry land - God making the path - easier - safer. So it was with the Israelites when Joshua led the people over the Jordan River. In Hebrew Jordan is translated Yarden or יַרדֵן which means to descend - go down. It was given this name because the river physically descends downwards to the Dead Sea which is the lowest point on Earth - significant to us spiritually - after we have descended to the lowest point - we move forward with our lives - we ascend - go up on a path closer to Jesus - to God. Recalling the baptism in the Jordan when Jesus was baptized by John - He first descended downwards as an act of humility - at which point the dove appeared above Him as He ascended upwards to the start of His ministry. As we were cooling off in the pool at the Arizona house today - escaping the 94 degree temperature - we descended down into the water. After splashing around a few minutes - I spied a tiny winged creature - a bee - a hornet - struggling in the water - having made a bad decision - seeking dry land. I gently lifted it up on the back of my hand and carefully set him on the concrete decking surrounding the pool. I watched for a few minutes - wondering if it was alright - then swam away - leaving Him in His creator's hand. Later on as we were placing the solar blanket back on the pool - I looked for it - nowhere to be found - hopefully restored to good health.
So many times in our lives we feel like we are lost in a sea of troubles - floating in an ocean of worries - emotions - fearful - looking for some sort of help. In Lent - not unusual to have that same lost feeling - wondering how we can escape our current feeling of loss - failure. In those moments - when we need to allow ourselves to descend - give up our self sufficient ideas - admit that we are not a god - that we need help. Looking upwards to Heaven - we seek the hand of God - Jesus - standing there on the shore of our lives - hand outstretched - saying - Come to Me - All who are weak and tired - I am here for you. Like my little - bee - hornet - your life has value - meaning - He will help you to ascend to a higher place. If only - you will ask Him.
Deacon Dale
