Shakespeare understood passion. The brilliant poet and playwright
had a way of tapping the deepest fears and desires in the human experience and
poetically exhibiting them in dramatic theater and tale: Shakespear's Macbeth, Othello, Hamlet and Tempest still highly favored by Arts enthusiasts. Even so, who can forget the passion
of his Romeo and Juliet as they fought for their unity against all the forces resolved to keep them apart? Their story transcends beyond the page and stage into our spirit. Their romance hints to a story we all play a part in and speaks to our deepest desire
to be passionately loved.
Since
before time the heart of God was filled with passion. Flowing from his
fingertips, passion created heaven and earth and all that dwells within them.
Yet, at the end of God’s vast and inspired work one creation, like nothing
else, would capture His holy heart; you and me. Thus begins the greatest romance.
The grand
and everlasting tale of God’s passion for our love dwarfs any other romance
story. Romeo with all his poetic charm and fervor pales in comparison to the
suitor of our souls. For the LORD’s passion compelled Him to endure the
humility of life that he might destroy the enemy which is death. Stripping
Himself of His eternal glory, the King of Kings donned the temporal flesh of man that He might
capture our hearts through His sacrificial death on the cross.
“Greater
love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends,” (John
15:13 NIV).
Romeo had
passion for Juliet, yet his love led to death for he and his bride. On the
other hand, Jesus’ love for you and me leads to eternal life. Notably passion
conveys action. It is defined by Google's web dictonary as a “strong and barely controllable
emotion”. The word evokes focus, determination and energy towards
something. Thereby passion does not merely happen in our lives, it comes from resolve and compells us into action.
So here are
some questions to ponder in regards to our relationship with the LORD.
-Would you consider your relationship with the LORD
passionate?
-Do you long to spend
time with Him?
-In what ways do you strive to honor Jesus?
-What place does praise, obedience and
gifts of service hold
in your relationship?
-Do people have reason to “talk” about your passion for God? These are questions I ask myself as I present them to you. My desire is to remind us of this unfathomable lover of our souls who longs to court us and draw us into a rich and satisfying relationship. Jesus is ready to sweep us off our feet. Will we let Him? Sisters in Christ, let's give the world some passion to talk about!
Our
challenge at The FOLD last evening was to go on a date with the LORD. To set a
specific time, at a designated place and share uninterrupted time together with
Jesus. Some might share coffee time. Others may steal away to a park to read His
Word. Still, someone may be inclined to stroll along the beach in His presence. The
place does not matter, the pursuit
does.
I am certain of the LORD’s passion for us and I know Jesus would be
delighted to have a special date with you!
Tracy Frazier
Keeping with the concept of Christ's passion, you may enjoy the following:
Christine Caine-"Stop Acting Like A Christian and Be One"
Parts 1 & 2
Christine Caine-"Stop Acting Like A Christian and Be One"
Parts 1 & 2
Music video: All For Love-Hillsong; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjJNEsDJPFk
If you were to plan a date with Jesus what would it look like?
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