Embrace “The Holy” and Maintain Social Distances

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 These are certainly challenging times as we live with warnings and cautions that restrict our liberties in this “Land of the free and Home of the Brave.” We are called, I believe, to a high standard of sacrificial living that compels us to suspend our liberties for the greater good of our neighbors and ourselves. Is this not what liberty has always required. Throughout history, the patriots of our societies have marched into battles, sacrificed lives and careers, and many paid the ultimate price ensuring the blessings of liberty for our time and place. As we are being called to the disciplines of social distancing and protective hygiene, may we find ways to become closer in holy ways. Prayer, reading the scriptures and devotions are ways I have always found helpful especially when I could share thoughts with loved ones and friends. Another way has been to read and reflect on some of the great hymns of the faith.

     Some of you have heard me tell the story of changing my favorite hymn from “1. My Faith Looks Up to Thee” to “2. Love Divine All Loves Excelling.” This happened as I was reflecting on the last verses of these great hymns and “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” had been my favorite for decades. Then, I compared the last verses:

  • 1. “When ends life’s transient dream, when death’s cold, sullen stream shall o’er me roll; blest Savior, then in love, fear and distrust remove; O bear me safe above, a ransomed soul.”

  • 2. “Finish, then, thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be. Let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee; changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place, till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.”

     As I wrestled with these two texts in the presence of “The Holy,” it seemed the first was more about me and ensuring my ticket for heaven and the second was more about surrender. Since then, I have been convicted many times by looking in the mirror and realizing I put a crown back on many days.

     How can you embrace “The Holy” and maintain social distances? Perhaps another old hymn might help: “Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light: Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.”

                            Embrace the Holy who has already embraced you.   Blessings, Mike