Just as I mentioned a few months ago that in life everything has an inward and an outward reality, Jesus Christ really has two stations: the human, and the divine.
Just as I gave the example several months ago: On the last Thursday of November, in the United States, I can eat a meal of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, and finish with pumpkin pie; that does not mean I just experienced "Thanksgiving." It is Thanksgiving if I eat with gratitude and in the fellowship of my friends and family, remembering the sacrifice of the early European pilgrims to this continent and the assistence of and their reliance on the Indian natives who helped them to survive; with whom they gathered in a meal of unity and fellowship.
The human station of Jesus Christ really is that of the individual, Jesus. This is the man that walked the dusty, rocky roads of Palestine, sleeping on the ground, the man who had his individual name, "Jesus"; who lived in a certain time, spoke a certain language [Aramaic], dressed according to the times, had certain racial characteristics and facial features, ate certain foods, and lived among a certain people. Baha'u'llah says, ["Book of Certitude" copyright Baha'i Publishing Trust]:
"Thus Jesus, Son of Mary, whilst seated one day and speaking in the strain of the Holy Spirit, uttered words such as these: 'O people! My food is the grass of the field, wherewith I satisfy my hunger. My bed is the dust, my lamp in the night the light of the moon, and my steed my own feet. Behold, who on earth is richer than I?' By the righteousness of God! Thousands of treasures circle around this poverty, and a myriad kindoms of glory yearn for such abasement! Shouldst thou attain to a drop of the ocean of the inner meaning of these words, thou wouldst surely forsake the world and all that is therein . . ."
But even this quotation shares a glimpse of the other station of Christ, the divine.
Viewed in the light of Jesus' human station, "the station of distinction, differentiation, temporal limitations, characteristics and standards," Jesus would manifest "utter destitution absolute servitude, and complete self-effacement. Even as He saith: 'I am the servant of God. I am but a man like you.' "
However, were Christ, the divine station of Jesus Christ, to declare: " 'I am God!' He verily speaketh the truth, and no doubt attacheth thereto."
So what, for the Christian believer, makes the difference? Jesus was the individual: Christ is a perfect mirror, reflecting the Holy Spirit, the words of God for humanity, revealing the Revelation of God, connecting the heart of the believer with her true beloved, God.
Again, great news for Christians: for people who are not Christians, hang on!
Showing posts with label Station of Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Station of Christ. Show all posts
Monday, April 20, 2009
The True Station of Christ, Part One
The theme of inward reality versus outward reality is no more profound than when we look at the true station of the Manifestations of God.
The following quotations on this subject are from the writings of Baha'u'llah, from "The Book of Certitude", i.e. "The Kitab-i-Iqan,", copyright Baha'i Publishing Trust.
Baha'u'llah points out that what we describe as "God" is really an Unknowable Essence, and, as the Creator, cannot be directly perceived nor directly understood by humans, who are created by God. I grew up as a very critical thinker, and had a hard time believing in God: my senses could not directly perceive God. Any "God" I could think of, would just be a product of my imagination, and bound by its limitations. Thus,
"These Prophets and chosen Ones of God are the recipients and revealers of all the unchangeable attributes and names of God . . . The knowledge of Him, Who is the Origin of all things, and attainment unto Him, are impossible save through knowledge of, and attainment unto, these luminous Beings who proceed from the Sun of Truth . . . From their knowledge, the knowledge of God is revealed, and from the light of their countenance, the splendour of the Face of God is made manifest."
This is why Christ said, "I am the Way, the Light, and the Truth, and no one cometh unto the Father except by Me."
If you are a Christian, this is encouraging news indeed. If you are not, bear with this discourse for another couple of posts, for things will be looking up.
The following quotations on this subject are from the writings of Baha'u'llah, from "The Book of Certitude", i.e. "The Kitab-i-Iqan,", copyright Baha'i Publishing Trust.
Baha'u'llah points out that what we describe as "God" is really an Unknowable Essence, and, as the Creator, cannot be directly perceived nor directly understood by humans, who are created by God. I grew up as a very critical thinker, and had a hard time believing in God: my senses could not directly perceive God. Any "God" I could think of, would just be a product of my imagination, and bound by its limitations. Thus,
"These Prophets and chosen Ones of God are the recipients and revealers of all the unchangeable attributes and names of God . . . The knowledge of Him, Who is the Origin of all things, and attainment unto Him, are impossible save through knowledge of, and attainment unto, these luminous Beings who proceed from the Sun of Truth . . . From their knowledge, the knowledge of God is revealed, and from the light of their countenance, the splendour of the Face of God is made manifest."
This is why Christ said, "I am the Way, the Light, and the Truth, and no one cometh unto the Father except by Me."
If you are a Christian, this is encouraging news indeed. If you are not, bear with this discourse for another couple of posts, for things will be looking up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
