Genesis tells a story about Jacob and Rachel at the well. She was a shepherdess, and waited for a chance to give her lambs a drink. The well was protected by a heavy rock, which usually required several strong men to move. But Jacob was so taken by Rachel's beauty he felt empowered to push it alone.
There is a passage that describes for me what that opening looks like.
In the beginning of every church, the Word is at first closed to the people of that church until they learn that the whole Word is about nothing but love to the Lord and love for others.
-Heavenly Secrets 3773, Emanuel Swedenborg
Every church. Does that mean my church? Congregations are not immune to using scripture as arrows to convict people. I have done my share of pointing.
But gradually my taste for chastising has lost its flavor. Offering a cup of cool water seems like a better way to pass the time.
Compassion has a way of moving me. Then innocence gathers, and is replenished. It displaces barriers as if they are of no consequence.
