Fair are the meadows fairer still the woodlands
Robed in the blooming garb of spring
Jesus is fairer Jesus is purer
Who makes the woeful heart to sing
Fairest Lord Jesus 1662
By: Anonymous 1662
Listen to this simple version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.
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Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below! It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
As we continue our journey through this worshipful hymn ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see Jesus clearly. Marvel at the majesty of our Savior. Let’s think about this.
Nothing Like Jesus
Was Jesus created? No.
What did He create? Everything.
On Tuesday we focused on a few aspects of creation. We considered our response to them. When we are filled with awe we must be careful not to worship the creation, but the Creator. If you ever catch yourself wondering who He is, remember He is Jesus.
Jesus is fairer Jesus is purer
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:15-16 ESV
Beautiful as they are, the created things are simply trying to reflect the glory of the Uncreated One, the One who visualizes the invisible God. He made them all, so obviously He is more grand than they, more fair, more pure than everything visible and invisible. Nothing compares to Jesus.
There’s the majesty of creation. Then there’s Jesus. Nothing and no one even comparing to His beauty. Pointing to it but not becoming it. Revealing it without fully representing it. Everything some lesser version of all that He is, and yet never as untainted as Him. Jesus. No rival. No equal.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments think about Jesus work in creation. Then praise Him for being even more fair and pure than the best of it. Make this your simple prayer “Jesus, thank You for being so fair and pure.”
Who Holds Us Together
Ever feel like things are falling apart? Maybe you said something you later wished you had not. Things at work seem to be slowly unraveling, and you are not sure if the problem is you or someone else. You failed to do something you had promised you would do, and they just will not let you make amends.
Whatever the circumstance, we have all been there wondering how things are going to turn out in the end. Sometimes the circumstances in front of us do unravel, but even then we do not have to. Why?
Because He holds us together, even though we are as guilty as the ones who held the hammer and nails which crucified Jesus. Of course, we were not there when that happened, but we are no less guilty than they. If any circumstance feels us with remorse, this is it.
Who makes the woeful heart to sing
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 ESV
All things hold together, in Him. The heavens and the earth. Thrones, rulers and authorities. All things. You. And me. Physically, emotionally, relationally…held together. We rejoice in His beauty, revealed in creation and our lives, but we rejoice even more for how He holds together.
His beauty is not just to be observed. It instructs. It reminds us there is wholeness and wholesomeness. It shows us that even when things are broken they can be beautiful again. Seasons change and so do our lives. There is hope in the beauty of Jesus.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about the fact that Jesus holds all things together. That is the single greatest reason why we an sing, even in the midst of suffering. Be ready to sing even in times of woe by praying a simple prayer like this, “Jesus, Your beauty points to what can be.“
Jesus, thank You for giving me a reason to sing, and enabling me to do so. I have continued to sing when my heart was filled with woe because You were still worthy, and You held me together. In Jesus name. Amen.
Worshipful Thinking!
Podcast 50.2 Transcript
Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.
Fair are the meadows fairer still the woodlands
“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12 ESV
God reveals His glory in creation. He reveals His glory in Jesus. Have you taken a walk through a meadow or a woodland lately? The beauty can be overwhelming, but be certain to let it lead you to praise the One who made it. We do not worship the creation, but the Creator.
Robed in the blooming garb of spring
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. Isaiah 35:1-2a ESV
A desert rejoicing and blossoming like a crocus. That sounds like such a beautiful, remarkable thing. The stark and barren land replaced with joy and a garment of flowers.That kind of transformation is something worth noticing. Meadows and woodlands alike revealing God.
Jesus is fairer Jesus is purer
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:15-16 ESV
Beautiful as they are, they are simply trying to reflect the glory of the Uncreated One, the One who visualizes the invisible God. He made them all, so obviously He is more grand than they, more fair, more pure than everything visible and invisible. Nothing compares to Jesus.
Who makes the woeful heart to sing
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 ESV
All things hold together, in Him. The heavens and the earth. Thrones, rulers and authorities. All things. You. And me. Physically, emotionally, relationally…held together. We rejoice in His beauty, revealed in creation and our lives, but we rejoice even more for how He holds together.
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more.
Fair are the meadows fairer still the woodlands
Robed in the blooming garb of spring
Jesus is fairer Jesus is purer
Who makes the woeful heart to sing
Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time,
Be Resonant.
The post Jesus Holds Everything Together appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attribution
Thee will I cherish Thee will I honor – https://annointing.wordpress.com/2019/03/25/jesus-at-the-center-of-it-all/
Thou my soul’s glory joy and crown – https://pixabay.com/photos/crown-tiara-crystals-diamonds-gems-1866986/
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