Unto you who fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings…
Malachi 4:2a [KJV]
Elizabeth Edwards died yesterday. I felt a great sorrow, even though I do not know her, have never met her, nor had the opportunity to speak to her. That being said, I have personally identified with the public and personal Elizabeth Edwards for many years. As a cancer survivor myself, I was saddened when her breast cancer returned in 2007, metastasized into her bones. I understood her pain when she was publicly humiliated by her cheating husband John—the beautiful man with the million dollar smile and an empty soul. She has been a role model for bravery, integrity, courage and hope.
When a reporter asked her how she had survived the last few years – how she continued to strive forward with grace and courage, she quoted these words from a Leonard Cohen song:
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack in everything -
That's how the light gets in.
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack in everything -
That's how the light gets in.
Our text today speaks of Jesus as the Sun of Righteousness, rising up out of the darkness with healing in His wings. There are days when it seems as if the world is covered with a thick, smoky fog of conflict, illness and death. Reports of acquaintances, friends, and loved ones freshly diagnosed with cancer, heart disease, or Alzheimer’s arrive far too frequently. How much we need the presence of the Son in our lives – pushing back the darkness and restoring our wounded souls.
Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father’s glory,
Blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy.
Send forth your word, Lord, and let there be light.
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