Freedom #2 - Doctrine is Done

'My heart is filled with a thousand songs

Proclaiming the glories of Calvary,

where the passible Son of God,

really did suffer and die for me'*

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*Words stolen and adpated from this song

Pastoring and God's Pathos

Life is so full and yet to many it can often seem so empty. Praise God that he opens himself to be affected by the state of the people he has made, that he cares, understands and acts to resolve our problems created by sin. :)

I started my Clinical Pasotral Education Certificate yesterday, which I am hoping will be a good adjunct to my studies at College, and also give me a platform to ask some of my questions about Hospital Chaplaincy. It will take us through the research on what people actually experience when they suffer different things, and how to best respond and help them during those times. I'll be doing a practical bit back in the hospital too, this time RPA.

So much of the data shows just how beneficial it is to be able to sit with people in their pain. To listen, to understand, to share common experience of suffering and to acknowledge when we couldn't imagine how hard their suffering must be cos we've never been through anything like that. Solutions to small problems may assist along the way, but no-one's found a cure for death yet.

No-one except the creator of life!

At the moment Im thinking through the question of God's impassibility - whether he can be 'affected' by anything outside of himself, in terms of having emotions and being able to suffer. There are benefits to both sides of the argument, and ultimately I think we need to revel in God's care and suffering for us, while at the same time maintain his autonomous soveriegnty. God responds to us, but he cannot be manipulated by us.

As genuinely helpful as God's understanding of us is (through experience and empathy), it is not helpless. God has and will act to remove suffering and tainted emotions from our world, and has done it by removing the cause in his death. Explain to me how God could be better than that!!

That's means I can love God freely. I don't need to fear an irrational emotion in him, or become dejected at his apathy. I also don't need to wallow helplessly in my suffering with him, I can find comfort as I await a sure cure in the recreation of all things. It means I can love him even in the tough times.

'But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation'.
(Psa 13:5)

Katoomba

Going away tomo - the holiday Ive been waiting for for ages... Thought I'd have heaps more work done on my essay by now, but need to get away for my mental sanity. Ive decided not to expect too many days off until the Christmas hols, I have conceded. Still lots of time to rest and consolidae over summer this year though with no bridging work to do.

Aaaanyway, the point is Im spending a few days chilling by the fireplace (kind like that phrase) in the mountains this week, and Im really looking forward to it!

Most days this week I have recognised something I have been involved in that is a privilege - from reading about God's character and talking about it with friends (and even just being able to read some things I could never have gotten my head around before), to spending time hanging (and working!) with Chels, to going for my first long-ish ride for ages, to getting free tickets to Live Earth yeasterday, to spending the afternoon with my pastor learning from him today, to catching up with some quality old friends tonight. I have been given so much. It comes at a time when Ive been realising my own sinfulness again too, which reminds me all the more of God's grace. I want to make the most of my opportunities :)

So Ill catch you in a few days, here's hoping that God's grace may continue to capture and compell you this week wherever you're at.

:)

07/07/07

I've got so many posts to catch up on - it's all been happening! But for now I have to let you know that I'm going to Live Earth tomo and it is going to ROCK!!! Some great bands, great seats - and free tickets! Bring it on!!

Hopefully get some post-worthy photos for afterwards.....

Woohooo!!!!!!!