Category: despair

Bethlehem: The Burial Place of Rachel

Advent{ures}: Let’s Go to Bethlehem

Before heading off to a new destination, it can be interesting  and inspiring to pour over the guide books. To check out the attractions offered, to find out any historical significance about the place and to look at a map to survey the layout of the town, all this information can help prepare the way before your arrival.

Each day this week, let’s look at some information about the little town of Bethlehem.
 
 

Bethlehem still exists today, situated southwest of Jerusalem about five miles. It is known for being a fertile area that produces corn, figs, and olives, as well as  boasting fruitful vineyards.
It is first mentioned in Scripture at a crossroads in Jacob’s life. He and his family are returning to his homeland. On the way he encounters God at Bethel, where God reminds him that He plans to bless Jacob with the land and inherited promise of his forefathers, Abraham and Isaac. The promise reaffirms that Jacob’s descendants would increase and from his lineage would come kings. (Genesis 35:11-15)

On the way back home, his wife Rachel  gives birth to Benjamin:

Then they moved on from Bethel. While they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and had great difficulty. And as she was having great difficulty in childbirth, the midwife said to her, “Don’t be afraid, for you have another son.” As she breathed her last — for she was dying — she named her son Ben-Oni. But his father named him Benjamin. 

So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). Over her tomb Jacob set up a pillar, and to this day that pillar marks Rachel’s tomb.  (Genesis 35: 16-20 NIV)

A death and a birth introduce this little town. And later a birth darkened by the death of “Rachel’s children” will accompany the introduction of our Savior. This little town will be marked by both tragedy and majesty.
Rachel prophetically names her son, Ben-Oni, “son of my sorrow,” foreshadowing the Man of Sorrows. Jacob renames him, Benjamin, “son of my right hand,” which also prefigures a role of Christ, as the triumphant Son of God, who now sits at His right hand.

This tragic association appears to offer little hope. Yet Benjamin will be a solace to Jacob in the days ahead, just as Jesus’ presence comforts us in our broken worlds.

Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him
for the help of His presence.
(Psalm 42:5 NASB)
Posted on by kelrohlf 4

Despair: To Lose All Hope or Confidence

My God, My God,
why have You forsaken Me?
Why are You so far from helping Me,
And from the words of My groaning?
Psalm 22:1 (NKJV)

Doubt and despair. How could I have fallen from such great heights of wonder and delight in two days?

The common cold has descended upon my head and throat and chest. Weighing me down; tempting me to despair. You may laugh at me or you may hurl curses at me depending on how deep your struggle with doubt and despair.

I used to find comfort and challenge in the quote from Marilla Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables, “To despair is to turn your back on God.” But I’m not so sure about it anymore. Often the root of my despair rests in a sense that God has abandoned me to this germ-infested, pain-ridden world, full of brokenness and irreparable damage. Death and dying trumps life and living so many times that it’s simply impossible not to lose hope.

Even Jesus, anguished over the where are you God question:

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:34 NKJV)

Jesus died on the cross. He surrendered to death and joy did come in the morning, but the hours in between still were marked with grief, doubt and despair.
 
Am I willing to w[rest]le with the despair long enough for it to bring new life?

I am not encouraging anyone to have an affair with despair, but at least let hopelessness do its work, let it bring you to your knees. Let the dark envelop you so that the light shining in the darkness means something–really truly gets into your heart, soul and mind.

And then once we’ve honestly poured out our wailings day and night, the gentle spirit will whisper a simple thought: Hope. Hope again.

 
 
O Holy Night (John Sullivan Dwight)
 
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need,
to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!
 
 

 
Posted on by kelrohlf 6