My dear congregation,
Our preparation has been different. We have done a lot of digging. We’ve looked into the sieve and been tossed. We have looked upon our own weakness, the hidden places of our heart, and the painful work of being searched by the Spirit.
But today is the day we dine. What mercy.
Jeremiah says: “Though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion.”
We meet another powerful small conjunction, “yet”.
The grief, chastening, and searching are real. Yet He will have compassion.
No, dear soul, “He doth not afflict willingly.” Our grief has a sovereign purpose. He wounds and makes the heart know its need to bring His mercy near.
And notice the measure of it:
“According to the multitude of his mercies.”
Not according to our measurements (and we have so many). But according to His mercies.
Dear one, come to the Table having learned something new, deeper about yourself. Come understanding more of your poverty. How easily the heart can falter. Come knowing how much you need to be kept. And then lift your eyes, dear one.
The Lord has not brought you here to leave you mourning at the doorway of the feast. “Though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion.” Today the bread and wine administer that to your heart.
We have dug deeply this week. Today, let us feast.
“Yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.”
Your friend and pastor,
J. Lewis