As a deer pants after the water brooks,
so my soul pants after Thee, O God.
Psalm 42:1
Earlier today, a Muslim prisoner came to me with several questions about Psalm 42...
so my soul pants after Thee, O God.
Psalm 42:1
Earlier today, a Muslim prisoner came to me with several questions about Psalm 42...
He'd been reading it and had apparently become enthralled by its contents. He wanted to know what the writer was seeking to communicate when he likened a deer panting for fresh water, to people who thirst after God. He wanted to know how a person could thirst after God.
I think he was touched by the level of intimacy the psalmist had with his Lord. He seemed to be quite curious how a mere mortal could have this longing within him. So I explained to him that the Bible itself is an intimate book, which also reveals an intimate God. How those who love Him, thirst inwardly for His presence.
I think he was amazed that someone could be this intimate with his Creator. Personally, I think that those of other faiths, such as this man, do not see the Almighty God as being approachable, or why a holy God would welcome us into his presence.
I went on to tell him how Christ himself spoke with and welcomed "sinners," and those who were considered to be the outcasts of society. Jesus even invited them to eat with Him. Such a thing seemed to be beyond this man's comprehension.
I told him that this was one of the biggest faults the religious rulers of Christ's day had against Him. "He eats with sinners!" But this was why Jesus Christ came to earth. He came to give his life for mankind's sins, and to save us from hell. Also, to bridge the gap which, because of our sins, has separated us from God.
His seemed pleased with my answers. I was happy that he was even reading the Bible. I was surprised by his obvious enthusiasm to know about the Scriptures. I could tell he was especially intrigued by this psalm. It's one of my favorites.
D.B.
I think he was touched by the level of intimacy the psalmist had with his Lord. He seemed to be quite curious how a mere mortal could have this longing within him. So I explained to him that the Bible itself is an intimate book, which also reveals an intimate God. How those who love Him, thirst inwardly for His presence.
I think he was amazed that someone could be this intimate with his Creator. Personally, I think that those of other faiths, such as this man, do not see the Almighty God as being approachable, or why a holy God would welcome us into his presence.
I went on to tell him how Christ himself spoke with and welcomed "sinners," and those who were considered to be the outcasts of society. Jesus even invited them to eat with Him. Such a thing seemed to be beyond this man's comprehension.
I told him that this was one of the biggest faults the religious rulers of Christ's day had against Him. "He eats with sinners!" But this was why Jesus Christ came to earth. He came to give his life for mankind's sins, and to save us from hell. Also, to bridge the gap which, because of our sins, has separated us from God.
His seemed pleased with my answers. I was happy that he was even reading the Bible. I was surprised by his obvious enthusiasm to know about the Scriptures. I could tell he was especially intrigued by this psalm. It's one of my favorites.
D.B.
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