France 2008: Day Two
“For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15
Hi Everyone.
Nothing like a good night’s sleep. Locals told us that the best way to get acclimated to the time zone is to force ourselves to stay awake until 9:00 and then collapse…I almost made it.
French pastors. This morning we drove 21 miles south from Versailles to a convent in the the town of Orsay to join a group of French Alliance pastors at a retreat. Even with the necessity of translation, it was amazing to hear what God was doing in French local ministries.
I still love cathedrals. This afternoon we caught a train from Versailles into Paris. It was a quick walk to the cathedral of Notre Dame from the train station. I have always been in awe of these large European cathedrals; I love getting lost in their cavernous interiors, wondering what it would have been like to worship there during its peak. I imagine the extreme tension between the monarchy, priesthood, and the peasants. In fact, it was that very tension that led to revolution. I thought of Emily when I saw the statue of one of her heroes: Joan of Ark. At the front of the cathedral there is of course a cross. Strangely (for a Catholic church) Jesus was not on it. In this particular cathedral, Jesus was off the cross and in Mary’s arms. Interestingly, a statue of King Louis XIV was off to one side, offering his crown to Jesus. This offends the French to this day, in that they see this as a the country of France surrendering its autonomy to the Catholic church. They continue to resist this gesture, having turned almost completely from any and all forms of religion.
An empty battlefield. I prayed as I walked the streets of Paris early this evening, and the image that came to my mind was that of an empty battlefield. The streets were crowded with people, to be sure, but the spiritual battle was not happening. Is that possible? The vision reminded me of the Golan Heights…at the time it was peaceful, without battle. But there had been wars there…and there would be again.
Strategy. My friends and I had dinner this evening in a Versailles cafe and spoke of strategy. How would this battle be re-engaged? How would it be won? I will leave the details of that discussion for a future post.
Blessings and much peace,
Pastor Tom
November 9th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
I love Gothic cathedrals, too. Ever wonder why the medieval cathedrals have gargoyles for water spouts? I’ve been told the reasons are debatable, but the best explanation I heard was Phillipians 2:9-11. Reminding us that the Almighty has dominion even over the demons. We’re praying for you.