Accomplishing Within the Accomplished

Senior Pastor, Steve Thulson

I’ve been thinking a lot these days (and preaching) about “running at the pace of grace.” Like most people I know, my days get full and move fast. It makes a difference for the good when I remember and embrace this: the reality of God and his grace. I love the prayer of Isaiah (26:12 NIV): 

Lord, you establish peace for us;

all that we have accomplished

you have done for us.

Peace has been established. Our risen Lord’s finished work on the cross reconciles us to the Father, promises that one day all will be well, and allows his Spirit to indwell our hearts and spread a peace for the living of our days.

 The farmer-philosopher Wendell Berry has composed a series of Sabbath Poems. Here’s one that echoes the paradox of Isaiah’s prayer on seeing all our accomplishments within God’s. Read it slowly. As you do, think of your hard work. And then place it into an even greater work and so a growing rest. 

Whatever is foreseen in joy

Must be lived out from day to day.

Vision held open in the dark

By our ten thousand days of work.

Harvest will fill the barn; for that

The hand must ache, the face must sweat.

And yet no leaf or grain is filled

By work of ours; the field is tilled

And left to grace. That we may reap,

Great work is done while we’re asleep.

When we work well, a Sabbath mood

Rests on our day, and finds it good.

(Wendell Berry, in A Timbered Choir, “Sabbath Poem, 1979, X”)