This Precipice

What Eugene Peterson wrote in the preface to his book The Wisdom of Each Other, will always remain etched in my memory: "Life is meant to be lived on a precipice."

I have come to realise that most people love stability and hate the idea of shaking the boat. Everything from the government in general to school administrators everywhere. Not to mention people too. Auden was right; we would rather be ruined than changed.

But there's this song by Petra called 'Shakin' the House', and I really think it reflects the promise of the Gospels: that everything will be shaken. Just as flour is sifted, so will the hearts of all people be searched by God. All things will be shaken, just as the ground was shaken when Jesus died.


Shakin' The House

There's a rumble in the distance - a trembling in the air
It's uncertain in direction - does it come from here or there
It's approaching by the minute - does it lead you to despair
Feel it shakin your foundation - when you haven't got a prayer

Chorus:
Everything that can be shaken will be shakin' from within
Better have your house in order when the shaking begins
Shakin' the house
Shakin', shakin' the house

You examine your foundation - does it stand on rock or sand
When the smoke clears, does it bring fears - when the houses fall or stand
In the fire of refining - with the flames too high to douse
You remember someone saying it's beginning in the house

But don't fear when it comes near
And you see the raging fire
If you hold fast it will all pass
Till your heart has His desire


It was partly inspired by Hebrews 12:25-27;

See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. (NIV)

* * * * *

Today, we had our Christian Union meeting in the open, near the Pavilion. It was a breezy and cool day, though I can't quite remember if it was Li-Shia or Wilson (or perhaps Rebecca) who first suggested going out. We were then joined by Jeremiah, Edwin and Lai Nai Kiat; we had to leave a message for Jeremiah so he wouldn't wonder where we all disappeared to!

Li-Shia accompanied worship on guitar, and we played the Animal Action game (the one in which we clap our thighs and hands to establish rhythm...) before Wilson shared from Luke 12. Wilson was looking for the passage, and I recalled the chapter from memory (though at first I thought it was in chapter 9), as it is one of my favourites.


Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?

"Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! And don't worry about food--what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

"So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

"Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no holes in them. Your treasure will be safe--no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.

--Luke 12:22-34 (NLT)


It was a timely message about trusting in God and learning not to worry: something that is always so encouraging, and yet so much easier said than done. Sometimes I wonder if passages like this seem to suggest shortcuts in life, as if we don't have to work hard and all. But I now know that it is easier to overwork ourselves with worry than it is to surrender ourselves completely to God.

We still don't dare live on that precipice, for God's way of life is too risky. So much for those who say the Bible is too safe, too conservative, too un-revolutionary. Hello! It's so outrageous that it could have only come from the very Author of Life!