Thursday, 20 May, 2004

The focus of these devotions is switching to Walter Wink’s book “The Human Being.”



Here's something about symbolic imagery and mysticism.

Ezekiel’s vision is central to Jewish mysticism.

Ezekiel 1 is so overwhelming in its surplus of powerful symbolic images that the rabbis only permitted mature persons to read this chapter, and then only in the company of a person who was older and wiser. A saying, often repeated in Jewish lore, stated that four Jewish mystics succeeded in ascending to heaven and viewing the divine throne chariot that Ezekiel describes. One went mad, one became a heretic, one died, and only Rabbi Akiba returned in his right mind.

…These mystics recognized that these archetypal images and symbols were not just a manner of speaking, but that they were capable of transforming - or unhinging – those who encountered them.



Maybe we all need to see without having to be certain of what it is we see. In that way we are saved from limits of literalism that often produce little more than the same old way things have been. Visions take us beyond what we seem to be able to contain. Visions take us and, without being certain of where we will go, send us out with eyes that have seen more deeply into the realm of God’s creativity that we no longer can settle for closed doors and the fear that keeps doors closed. Maybe Rabbi Akiba, note above, was gifted to see the truth about God as something more than what he already knew and more than he ever would…but for now, something new was being offered for life.



Connection: Do the visions of the Reign of God restrict or open your life? Within the gift of order within this day is also the availability of imagination and insight and vision that will not be contained or ruled by the mere order.



How wonderful is the expansiveness of your Reign and the glory of your creation, O God. Now may our hearts be inspired to enter into the rhythm of your joyous and ever-unfolding life. Amen.