Pandora
Unlike Pandora, it wasn’t curiosity that made me open the box. I had prayed for either peace or revealing. The box was open when I found it, and there was a revealing. In and of itself, it was an answer to prayer.
Unlike Pandora, the swarms did not fly out of the box, my eyes were opened to see the swarms that were already ’round about me. They’d been present for a long time I just couldn’t see them. Seeing was not the answer I wanted, but it was the answer I needed. And while I prayed for one or the other (revealing or peace) I was given both.
Sorrow.
Peace.
Hand in hand.
Paradoxical – not impossible. It is everyday stuff for God.
In Greek mythology Pandora is the first woman, made from clay, brought alive by breath and sent by Zeus. Her action in opening the container brings about great evil, but also within that jar – hope.
The story of Pandora is a distinct yet distorted parallel of Eve.
Adam is made of clay and brought to life by the breath of God. A rib is taken from his side from which Eve is formed and then she is brought to him. Her (and his) actions release sin with all its consequences but also reveal the next step in the plan of redemption. Every single aspect of this plan – in place before time began.
Time is a created entity and it has a shelf life. A beginning and an end. The line of time we are on is as distinct and finite as a shoelace laid out on a table. God created time more easily than you or I can make a mess. Christ on the cross was no afterthought. It was not a last minute rescue. It was always the next stage of the plan in motion. His death and resurrection was the fulfilment of the law, but because we still exist in time, the entirety of the plan is still working its way through.
God has promised He will make a way where there seems to be no way.
He has paved that way already, in the scope of eternity and through this band of time. Will we use His light, listen for His voice, read His map? He calls to us and says “this is the way, walk in it”!
God will make a way, where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see He will make a way for me
He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day,
He will make a way, He will make a way.
By a roadway in the wilderness He’ll lead me
Rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade, only love will still remain He will do something new today