After worship service on August 21, a number of us went into the church building to see what it looked like now that the stained glass windows were removed. Where there had been a golden glow thanks to the amber and yellow panes, there were gaping holes covered with paneling that had been ripped from the basement walls. It was difficult–sadder than expected. The sanctuary seemed empty–dead. It was as if the life was gone. Someone made the comment, “What was hallowed ground is now hollowed ground.”
However, one window remained–the large window depicting Jesus praying in the garden. Jesus was praying, “Take this cup from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Jesus was facing his own “deconstruction”, yet he knew he had to proceed. He was confident that God had led him to this point, but he struggled with going forward. That’s how we’re feeling: Knowing this is where God has led us and yet struggling to take the final step. Standing there in the hollowed place, we felt that Jesus was praying for us. We are not abandoned. Jesus came through his “deconstruction” by God’s mighty power. We will too.
Tongue on Fire 