One of our favourite TV programs is a Canadian production with Jonny Harris called “Still Standing.” Jonny grew up in a small town in Newfoundland and has a heart for small, struggling places. He travels across Canadian and visits small cities/towns/villages that are facing real challenges. He explores the community with some of its residences, delves into its history, infrastructure and the relational dynamics that make them strong. He is a very talented and insightful comedian that looks at things in a light hearted manner while, at the same time, telling the heartfelt history and story of its people. I, personally, think he is brilliant.
As we were watching it last Sunday evening (it comes in two half hour shows), one of the statements by one of the local residents really struck me. The show closes with people expressing their appreciation and what they thought of Harris's comedic presentation. The responses are always outstanding but this evening, the person’s words really hit me. The individual looked lovingly into the camera and said simply and emphatically, “He understands.” It was like a load had been lifted. Someone finally got it!
To me, that is one of the greatest cries of our human condition “He/she understands.” Someone has really heard what I am saying, what I am about. They have listened with the head, the heart and the humility that true caring really starts with. As a wise person once shared with me, “Love is giving someone your undivided attention.”
I am so glad, this afternoon, that I not only have people in my life that seek to “understand me” but that you and I have a Saviour who “understands” and knows us inside and out. He gets it! He delved into every aspect of our human condition so that he could represent us as our advocate and our encourager. Again, we echo the words of Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT), “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” I know we look at these words often but we really need to stop and read them and reflect on them, almost daily, with the intent of digesting them afresh and anew. In the midst of our joys and our deepest sorrows, He is listening and He understands. He gets it!
Remember, “Where love reigns, God reigns.” Thanks, my friends, for listening lovingly to me and each other. In these times of pandemic, many people are listening. Many can echo the cry “He/she understands.”
May God bless you and keep you this day. As we listen to one another, remember that loving act keeps many folks “Still Standing” through the ups and downs of life!
God bless you and may your day be filled with Sonshine – Pastor Ralph
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