I often find myself thinking about mystery — what it is, maybe more importantly what it’s not, it’s role in our lives and faith, etc.. I’ve decided that if I ever became an author one day, this is what my first book would be about. We handle it so poorly, often dismissing it as an enemy, an overcomeable obstacle, or evidence of a lack of intelligence. I’ve also seen mystery used as a blanket statement in order to avoid attainable complexities, mental effort, and/or to shut down opponents. We’re pretty averse to it, it seems.
In stark contrast to our reactions however, the Bible actually befriends and necessitates mystery. From Genesis to Revelation, the plot is infused with it. Perhaps the greatest example of this is the person of Jesus. We could spend years studying any one of his peculiar characteristics, but this month especially I’ve seen the mystery of his gentleness illuminated.
In Matthew 11:25-30, the only passage in the New Testament where Jesus describes his heart, he describes Himself as “gentle and lowly”. This is astounding for several reasons. Think of all the things God incarnate could’ve possibly said about himself! Instead he chose these two. Think also of his rightful disdain for and lament over sin! Yet he remains patient with us. Finally, think of how we must hurt and grieve him! Still, he’s gentle and even compassionate towards us.
Contemplating, and experiencing God’s gentleness this month has done several beautiful things in me. First, conviction. Gentleness both reflects and requires care, and being a talkative personality that’s quick to listen and quick to think, it makes me cringe thinking of all the times I’ve been careless, impatient, or harsh with my words. Yet Hebrews 5:2 reminds me that God still deals gently with me when I’m both wayward (intentionally sinful) and ignorant (unintentionally sinful)! Wild.
Second, it’s quieted me. While I’m certain that absolutely no one in my life would say that I’ve quieted down in the slightest, Jesus’ gentleness has ushered in a quiet stillness in me internally. When the love of your life of decades gives you that look only you know, wouldn’t that just quiet you? That look reflects such intimacy, trust, and security — the kind that could only come from a covenant kind of love. This is what I’m talking about when I say He’s quieting me. His gentleness comes from a place of ultimate security — nothing I do could ever make him leave me. It’s shown me glimpses of the peace promised to us in John 14:27.
Thirdly and finally, Jesus’ gentleness has opened me up more to the fullness of following Him. I’ve felt quite literally filled to the brim with emotions so many times this month, which really goes against my default emotional state. It’s second nature for me to hold my own and be the “Oh Brooke? She’s good.” kind of girl. But man the Lord has just pierced right through my insufficient self-sufficiency with his meekness, giving me the permission to feel and want and be. It’s beautiful. Maybe it’ll even make me more gentle like him.
Questions and Quotes —
“You cannot help with a burden unless you come close to a burdened people.” — Tim Keller
What are you afraid to want or dream about?
“There are two fundamental stones on which we must stand: there is still sin in me, and God is abundant in mercy.” — Paul David Tripp
“If you are part of Christ’s own body, your sins evoke his deepest heart, his compassion and pity. He ‘takes part with you’ — that is, he’s on your side. He sides with you against your sin, not against you because of your sin.” — Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly
If the opportunity presented itself, what’s a job that you would drop everything right now to do?
“What’s rule number one?” “Party.” — The Peanut Butter Falcon
— Brooke