This post is part of a collection of posts, and joined in on-line interaction with scores of others, in the reading of Jeremiah Burroughs' "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment".
Reading Jeremiah Burroughs, if the rest of the book is like the first chapter, will require the ability to hold your breath for long periods of time.
Many Christians, it seems, hop along God's word as a jet ski quickly runs across the top of the ocean. Burroughs, however, invites us to take a deep, deep breath, and dive down into this thing called Christian Contentment.
In so doing, like the Japanese divers of pearls, we might find, with God's aid, this rare jewel of Christian contentment.
I have already found, as I have been diving down, that my lungs are not accustomed to this diving, and as I scurry to the surface for breath, I explode into the air with an urgent gasping.
Burroughs' first chapter is not unlike sitting on a boat being given diving lessons by the world's greatest pearl diver. He describes for us where we are going, some of the dangers that lie below, and the techniques, or knowledge, that will keep us safe.
I must admit, I have learned of a shark, or two, in this first chapter, that brings me discomfort.
Here again, is Jeremiah Burroughs' definition of Christian Contentment:
Burroughs teaches that with Christian contentment, it is not enough to freely go, and come under (submit) to God's sovereignty, but to do so with delight.
What's the big deal you say?
Well, what if God's sovereignty deals a period of discipline? What if somehow, in this whole mysterious thing called sovereignty, perhaps even the rod of God's discipline, great disaster befalls you, like Job? Could I, if my children were taken, all my wealth taken away, my property, and I was left penniless, freely submit with delight?
I gotta tell ya, this would be a great struggle!
Burroughs teaches that in such instances we are free to complain, or make appeal to God, but to freely submit with delight?
Friend, if taken seriously, and I am certain God desires that, this is no easy thing!
I remember Jonathan Edwards saying that there is no better place to be than submitted under the care of a perfectly good, and loving Sovereign. I am certain that is true. The problems is my faith, and the great amount of kicking, and screaming I am prone to do.
Oh...this is going to be quite the journey.
Oh my soul, take a deep, deep breath, and learn to trust deeply in God's care for you!
