Thursday, December 17, 2009

Life and Symbols




The last couple postings have considered the power of words and the nature of water. What if we consider the nature of water with respect to the nature of Jesus?

Here’s just a few thoughts that come to mind as we await the birth of our Lord Jesus:

The Infant Jesus formed quietly in his mother’s womb, in water. (Luke 1:31)

The Missionary Jesus was baptized by John, in the Jordan River, in water. (Mark 1:9)

The Miracle worker Jesus provided more wine at a wedding in Cana, from water. (John 2:7)

The Healer Jesus cured the blind man by telling him to wash in the Pool of Siloam, with water. (John 9:7)

The Powerful Creator Jesus calmed the torrents of the sea, the water. (Matt 8:26)

The Counselor Jesus commanded his apostle Peter to have enough faith to walk, on water. (Matt. 14:29)

The human Jesus wept in the Garden of Gethsemane, shedding tears of water. (Matt. 26:36)

The soldier pierced the Redeemer Jesus who hung on the cross. From his side came blood, and water. (John 19:34)

There are many ways in which an author knits a story together: allegory, simile, description and symbol. Woven throughout the life of Jesus is the symbolism of water and I believe the Creator, the Ultimate Author interlaced water as a symbol for us. What do you think?

May you have a joyful and peaceful and Merry Christmas.