Lent Thirty Six "Get up and Walk"

 

The electors of Saxony by Lucas Cranach the Elder, 
Kunsthalle, Hamburg.

“A young man who wishes to remain a

 sound atheist cannot be too

 careful of his reading.”

 C.S. Lewis             

Thus speaks someone with experience.  If you want to fly, you have to release what is in your hands, and hold your arms out at your side.  Tilt your head slightly upwards, and 'lift off'.  

Ecclesiastes Chapter Twelve

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.

Honour your Creator before saying ‘it’s not as good as it used to be’

Be filled with awe as you see the wonder of the universe.

 

Be filled with worship before….

your legs -‘the guards that protect your house’  - tremble.

your shoulders - ‘your bodyguards’ - stoop.

your teeth - ‘those few remaining servants’ - stop grinding.

your eyes - ‘two windows on the world’    fog up

Honour your Creator before life’s opportunities close off.

Now the birds sound sweetly; then you will strain to hear them.

 

Remember your Creator before you…

Ø  worry about falling and fear to walk in the street,

Ø  your hair turns white like the almond blossom.

Ø  you drag yourself along like a dying grasshopper,

Ø  nothing helps arouse ardour in bed,

Ø  you approach your grave, your final resting place.

 

Remember your Creator before the silver cord is snapped, and the golden bowl is broken.

For then it will be too late.  The water jar will be smashed and the pulley on the well broken.

Dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to its Creator.

 

Conclusion

All of existence is a conundrum, it’s a paradox, says the teacher.

 

The teacher spent much time deliberating and testing what was known.

He tried to make his words fine and uplifting.

But his words were honest, like cattle prods.

 

Let me tell you my child, be careful, you can really think too much and wear yourself out.

 

Honour your Creator, do what is right, as everyone should.

All things will be judged; nothing over looked.

 PRAYER: I thank you that nothing now can separate me from your love.