Silence

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

propaedeutic (prō′pi do̵̅o̅t′ik, -dyo̵̅o̅t′-)

Gr propaideuein, to teach beforehand pro-, before + paideuein, to instruct pais (gen. paidos), child

of, or having the nature of, elementary or introductory instruction

Over my desk hangs a crucifix, sculpted by an artist who lived with us for a time. Over the years I have reflected on the power of this work. I sit here now, and as I gaze upon the gaping mouth filled with silent anguish, I hear these words from the Psalms-

"Be still and know that I am God."

For most of my life the focus of Psalm 46:10 has been on the command to 'cease and desist', to stop and and make time to be still. A few weeks ago I began a painting based on this verse. While working through the Hebrew I stopped at the expression and know. In the Hebrew, the expression contains four characters, beginning and ending with a vav- the Hebrew letter which, to the ancients, symbolized a nail. Two nails frame a thought that should form my thoughts. Upon two nails hung the wisdom of God.

The apostle Paul penned it thus-

"For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." I Cor. 1:21.

Jeremy Begbie said, "Wisdom is lived knowledge."

Life is found in knowing the One between the nails.