Basilea Schlink
Basilea (Dr. Klara) Schlink was born in 1904. Her education included social welfare training and a doctorate in psychology. She was a leader of the Women's German Student Christian Movement and bravely stood against Nazi policy during the Hitler regime. She risked her life during World War II, publicly speaking out on the unique destiny of Israel as God's people. Mother Basilea appeared two different times before the German Gestapo for boldly proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord; she was released despite her unwavering stance. As Mother Basilea and another leader, Mother Martyria, led Bible studies (even teaching the Old Testament that was forbidden by the Nazis) for young people, they began to see revival. The young girls encountered God in a fresh way; His holiness, His justice, His Lordship were experienced anew. Those who were lukewarm in their Christianity repented; hidden sins were confessed and forgiveness flowed.
First Love, Divided Love
Jesus, who so often says "Whoever loves Me..." and asks "Do you love Me?" is concerned about our LOVE! He is concerned about a special kind of love. It is the love which is shadowed in the relationship between a bride and her bridegroom; that is, it is an exclusive love, a love which place the beloved, the bridegroom, above all other loves, in the first place. As a Bridegroom, Jesus has a claim to "first love". He who has loved us so much wants to possess us completely, with everything we are and have. Jesus gave Himself wholly and completely for us. Now His love is yearning for us to surrender ourselves and everything that we are to Him, so that He can really be out "first love." so long as our love for Him is a divided love, so long as our heart is bound to family, possessions, or the like, He will not count our love to be genuine. Divided love is of so little value to Him that He will not enter into a bond of love with such a soul, for this bond presupposes a full mutual love. Because our love is so precious to Jesus, because he yearns for our love, He waits for our uncompromising commitment.
As a Bridegroom, Jesus has a claim to "first love."
Of course God should come first in our lives...but does it always end up that way? This was also the topic of the sermon at Church at the Bay this past Sunday. Make God your number one, your significant other your number two. It's easy to say that God is number one in our hearts, but does your life reflect that? I know mine often does not. Whether it be because of being 'too busy' or laziness or whatever. Putting God first takes discipline. You have to want Him to be there. You have to work to keep Him there. That doesn't mean that anything else in your life isn't of importance, it just means He is more important. He created you. He gave His life for you. He loves you unconditionally. Can you say all that about anything else?
I'm not sure if this is completely relevant, but it keeps popping in my head. The song None But Jesus by Brooke Fraser has powerful lyrics. They hit me everytime. I pray that they pull at your heart too and that these words are your hearts song.
in the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
in the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
when You call, I won't refuse
each new day again I'll choose
there is no one else for me
none but Jesus
crucified to set me free
now I live to bring Him praise
in the chaos, in confusion
I know You're sovereign still
in the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
when You call I won't delay
this is my song through all my days
all my delight is in You, Lord
all of my hope, all of my strength
all my delight is in You, Lord forevermore
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