This is the LORD’s name for many a weak and fearful heart- My Dove. In this passage, the Cragsman (Christ) calls His Dove (the weak believer) to His blessed Self once more.
But she’s in the clefts, the cracks, the little caves of the mountain. The Dove of the Fearful Heart, again feels unworthy, too sinful, too spotted to approach the holy table of the Lord. Her fears and doubts prevail, causing her timid soul to retreat deeper into the cold darkness.
Yet Christ, the Cragsman of her soul, knows her heart's burrowed fears and secrt hiding places. He seeks her out in the nooks and crannies of fear. He finds her. He calls gently and lovingly, assuring her that His grace is sufficient, His forgiveness unbounded, and His patience enduring. "Come unto me," with hand stretched out, He calls to her. Her:
not the self-righteous and self-assured,
but the self-weary, the self-broken,
the self-fearful.
There’s no reserved seating for boasters (unless in the Lord) at the Table. No. But there is more room for the fearful, faint of heart, and anxious. Communion is not a badge for the mighty, but food for the faltering. It's not a fest for the proud but a drink for the thirsty.
Do you hear Him calling, dear Dove? For His voice is sweet, and His countenance is comely, too.
The Rock of Ages cleft for you.
Hide yourself in Him anew.
His wounds are your refuge.
His blood is your cleansing.
His body is your nourishment.
He calls by name, each and every timid and fearful soul who longs for Him. He calls Dove’s those who feel unworthy and sinful, yet long for assurance and rest. "Come," He says, "all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give it to you." “Come, for all things are now ready.” He invites you to His table,
not because you are worthy,
but because He is worthy.
Not because you are strong,
but because He is strong.
Not because you are pure,
but because He is pure.
Way up, in the clefts of the Rock, in the secret places of the stairs, your Cragsman, your Savior, your Lord will meet you. His love is relentless, His mercy is boundless, and His grace is sufficient. Do not let fear hold you back.
Doubter, doubting, Seeker, seeking, Fearful, fearing: Oh, Dove of the Fearful Heart — Christ is your all, Rock, Cleft, and Savior. Come to the Banquet. Come to the feast.
May the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ draw you near, comfort your heart, and fill you with faith in believing, and all joy.