Tuesday, February 14, 2006

What Does Love Sound Like?

Well, it’s Valentine’s Day and our thoughts, and minds and hearts are turned to Love. We agonize over what to give, or where to take, or what to do for our sweetheart so that we can forever be ingrained in their memories. We drink in all the details of our beloved so that we can recall that warm feeling on those nights where we are apart, separated by distance or after they have departed this earth, and we imprint those emotions on every one of our senses.

Often, just as in Pavlov’s experiment, those very same emotions wash over us at the slightest remembrance of a certain sound, and we again find ourselves transported back to those magical places and times which we shared with our precious darlings. Perhaps the sound of gentle waves reminds us of a romantic stroll on the beach. The melody of the music box revives visions of the last ride on the carousel. A favorite song, a baby’s cry, laughter, the rustling of leaves, the weeping of a funeral …even silence…speaks volumes of love to our tender hearts. All these and more are vivid reminders of the love shared, the lives lived, and sacrifices made for us.

Now think back to a time unknown to you, some 2000 plus years ago, and imagine the cry of a newborn baby, intermingled with the bleating of sheep and goats and the braying of donkeys. Hear the sounds of celebration at a wedding feast, and the delight of the guests when the “good stuff” pours forth from the jars which, only moments before, held water. The amazement of the scholars at the insightful answers given by a common everyday 12 year old boy. Listen again (or for the first time) at the rich and powerful voice that seems to come from nowhere but delights in the proclamation, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” Feel the sudden energy of a tired and weary teacher when little children run to Him and shower Him with affection. Tremble at the sound of the power of the storm that threatens your life, and marvel at the voice that speaks it into submission. Sense the awe when you realize that the Son of God is praying for you!

These are the sounds of love. But sometimes love hurts.

Experience the rage of the bloodthirsty crowd as they cry, “Crucify Him!” The whispers of tearing flesh as He is beaten mercilessly within an inch of His very life. The mother’s cry. The heavy footsteps burdened by the weight of massive timbers. The dull thud of the spikes as they penetrate flesh and cartilage and sinew. A cry of abandonment and a final breath.

Yet amid the clamor, the scoffing, the weeping and the deafening roar of the crowd, our Savior spoke of family and of forgiveness. However, perhaps one of the most significant and powerful sounds of love we could consider is the sound of stone upon stone, as the grave was opened, and as we witness death’s defeat.

So what does love sound like? The sweetest sound of love is the movement of the water as it entombs us and as we break free from the bonds of sin and death, and as we hear the Master say, “well done, My good and faithful servant!”

1 Comments:

Blogger David Carriger said...

What a great sound of love those nails provide for us each day!

7:03 AM  

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