Friday, August 6, 2021

Reflection - Number Our Days - The Hand On The Helve

Source (book): "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Chapter 20, "The Hand On The Helve", Page 98.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.


And behind the working is a mind controlling, And a force direction, and a guiding hand.
PHOTO:And behind the working is a mind controlling,
And a force direction, and a guiding hand.
- Anne Johnson Flint

A friend of mine tells me that he may have prostate cancer, but must wait for several months for a final diagnosis. "The Sword of Damocles is hanging over my head," he says.

Damocles, according to classical mythology, was a courier who served King Dionysius, a fourth-century tyrannical ruler of the Greek colony of Syracuse. King Dionysius enjoyed all the blessings of power and wealth and seemed to be living the perfect life. Damocles would often compliment the king on his wealth and power. One day when he did this, the king asked if he would like to try living his life for a day. Damocles eagerly agreed and enjoyed himself immensely until he noticed a sharp sword suspended above his head by a single hair. This, Dionysius explained, was what life as a ruler was really like.

"The Sword of Damocles," then, is an allusion (reference) to this tale and has become a symbol for any perilous situation in which tragedy is imminent and foreboding. My friend's comment, thus, takes on vivid meaning: He lives each day with the knowledge that his fate is hanging by the slenderest of threads.

As I thought about what my friend had told me, I suddenly saw the hand on the helve of the sword. The fate of my friend is not based on slender chance, miscalculation, or accident, but on the wisdom and goodness of the loving Father who holds the "sword," whatever it may be. My friend is in the strong hands of one who loves him and cares for him as no other can.

The Heidelberg Catechism asks: "What dost thou mean by the providence of God?" And answers: "The almighty and everywhere present power of God; whereby, as it were by His hand, He upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drinks, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by His fatherly hand."

You and I may face terrifying circumstances in this life over which we have no control: rain or drought, fruitful or barren years, health or sickness, riches or poverty, life or death. These circumstances, when they come to us, may seem capricious (unaccountable) and mere chance, but they are not. "The force that holds them, retards them, stops and starts and guides them, is our Father's hand."

David knew this. "But you, O God, do see trouble and grief, you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you." (Psalm 10:14)


And behind the working is a mind controlling,
And a force direction, and a guiding hand.

- Anne Johnson Flint


And behind the working is a mind controlling,
PHOTO: And behind the working is a mind controlling,
And a force direction, and a guiding hand.

- Anne Johnson Flint
Picture posted by Craig T. Owens
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXuDYQ32KeypnmI0Op8oCl6fMTy08lIbIAhUdVXE5bhhhQ-iBmfz0HUsj-5Kps8TPrWM_etwn5v42HR8sF9QY0PLxoYH4A-1sYpxuFnmy7uMr_mktpJqDGvpfGn16Cn4CDoa3ZDNcCIY/s960/annie-johnson-flint.jpg
https://craigtowens.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/annie-johnson-flint.jpg
https://craigtowens.com/tag/annie-johnson-flint/



A friend of mine tells me that he may have prostate cancer, but must wait for several months for a final diagnosis. "The Sword of Damocles is hanging over my head," he says.

A friend of mine tells me that he may have prostate cancer, but must wait for several months for a final diagnosis.
PHOTO: A friend of mine tells me that he may have prostate cancer, but must wait for several months for a final diagnosis. "The Sword of Damocles is hanging over my head," he says.
Picture posted by Alamy
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlk7o64zpnoJ6qrKQ9t6HcSuJB8m1d0fUbR9LXYCtnDiQeBfxrmLGh8ZdVPbfBAiS-E3AjB7weESdVqCbCgv4wogGBtzfBpEZraD0RuZK5iCfOQusic3SU1me8HTYzSrGbXMCZWO0KS8/s1300/surreale-ffp0ne_1.png
https://c7.alamy.com/compit/ffp0ne/con-cappuccio-rosso-donna-guarda-al-suo-oscuro-riflesso-nella-nebbia-concetto-surreale-ffp0ne.jpg
https://www.alamy.it/foto-immagine-con-cappuccio-rosso-donna-guarda-al-suo-oscuro-riflesso-nella-nebbia-concetto-surreale-95755226.html



Damocles, according to classical mythology, was a courier who served King Dionysius, a fourth-century tyrannical ruler of the Greek colony of Syracuse. King Dionysius enjoyed all the blessings of power and wealth and seemed to be living the perfect life. Damocles would often compliment the king on his wealth and power. One day when he did this, the king asked if he would like to try living his life for a day. Damocles eagerly agreed and enjoyed himself immensely until he noticed a sharp sword suspended above his head by a single hair. This, Dionysius explained, was what life as a ruler was really like. [99]


Damocles, according to classical mythology, was a courier who served King Dionysius, a fourth-century tyrannical ruler of the Greek colony of Syracuse.
PHOTO: Damocles, according to classical mythology, was a courier who served King Dionysius, a fourth-century tyrannical ruler of the Greek colony of Syracuse. King Dionysius enjoyed all the blessings of power and wealth and seemed to be living the perfect life. Damocles would often compliment the king on his wealth and power. One day when he did this, the king asked if he would like to try living his life for a day. Damocles eagerly agreed and enjoyed himself immensely until he noticed a sharp sword suspended above his head by a single hair. This, Dionysius explained, was what life as a ruler was really like.
Painting by Richard Westall - Sword of Damocles (1812)
Pictur posted by  Anonymous on Thursday, 27 July 2017 at 11:08:29
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOCyLLhCOCChLWXGss824Q6KQu95wbsMvGObFJFGEJ1JxvZWIzE_SbX6MoyIycP93j91VKYkmOIuc8K1r8HnA2lBaxNNSCUsxPFGQfhSlmXGyzm7ITUk-X8lEIZXZZMqGg8Ol8pHIw-k/s2048/1501124909429.jpg
https://i.4pcdn.org/hr/1501124909429.jpg
https://archive.4plebs.org/hr/thread/2959515/



"The Sword of Damocles," then, is an allusion (reference) to this tale and has become a symbol for any perilous situation in which tragedy is imminent and foreboding. My friend's comment, thus, takes on vivid meaning: He lives each day with the knowledge that his fate is hanging by the slenderest of threads.


The Sword of Damocles
PHOTO: "The Sword of Damocles," then, is an allusion (reference) to this tale and has become a symbol for any perilous situation in which tragedy is imminent and foreboding.
Picture posted by marxistdegeneracy.com

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXMLVoFpo07c6MoCddctOtAI9FlxJZ63osn_IXhCYIj7nCk8PjMuf_xnhWfn0JfwbzwRnJbJ2wBa-x3TJT3wkmzSNko9tmV-1k4rNEDd9ZJDDYsibA4wMZc5NBHDlQ5DQcn-t_62Je3M/s1920/TZjG7hXReeVoAvXt2X6pMxYAb3q65xMju8wryWxKrsghkLPiuTrpBjAzEUVwaHR2ruGTk7dZopLxKRDVFEuY2eMcsyiZPCh6SBVZRwGnZ8CMFdvUkEPTWHyQjkQ5RAphhWpBj7fAeGTtDc.png
https://steemitimages.com/p/TZjG7hXReeVoAvXt2X6pMxYAb3q65xMju8wryWxKrsghkLPiuTrpBjAzEUVwaHR2ruGTk7dZopLxKRDVFEuY2eMcsyiZPCh6SBVZRwGnZ8CMFdvUkEPTWHyQjkQ5RAphhWpBj7fAeGTtDc?format=match&mode=fit
https://marxistdegeneracy.com/2018/10/16/kanyes-love-for-trump-has-him-getting-fucked-now/



'The Sword of Damocles,' then, takes on vivid meaning: He lives each day with the knowledge that his fate is hanging by the slenderest of threads.
PHOTO: "The Sword of Damocles," then, takes on vivid meaning: He lives each day with the knowledge that his fate is hanging by the slenderest of threads.
Picture posted by Danny Zemp, zemp@dannyzemp.com on 16 January 2019- Trumps sword of Damocles

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxp3u6Uvtjh78UyvnfEITs3kcZpD_RhE8CD3A_AKC598Vrww5iYinoxgx_iFNk0HnHk-ClCPc1tNhCVBcTOLgfhWT2Z0CK4hBqCLmovWuh8nNsipoZXqL4IlU7AfvgHR5Rsmp9xgA5yNk/s1000/Trump_Sword-s.jpg
http://www.dannyzemp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Trump_Sword-s.jpg
http://www.dannyzemp.com/i-wonder-if-trump-knows-that-he-has-the-sword-of-damocles-hanging-over-his-head/



As I thought about what my friend had told me, I suddenly saw the hand on the helve of the sword. The fate of my friend is not based on slender chance, miscalculation, or accident, but on the wisdom and goodness of the loving Father who holds the "sword," whatever it may be. My friend is in the strong hands of one who loves him and cares for him as no other can.


The hand on the helve of the sword which determines our fate is not based on slender chance, miscalculation, or accident,
PHOTO: The hand on the helve of the sword which determines our fate is not based on slender chance, miscalculation, or accident, but on the wisdom and goodness of the loving Father who holds the "sword," whatever it may be. We are in the strong hands of one who loves and cares for us as no other can.
Picture posted by havenlight
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugqY6e4dzljyz55wy6XD9HBjBhaeBoQs6ULC9tsLYWRiVK3hzGoTOJX-41fwjmndiFyG3S8UGu8tOdYK6SzjO8n26-i1Nb7bnzWY84xQPb0a0aPVQTxttDJW6ju8Hi5wekb-P1deWlTc/s1200/his-hand-is-stretched-out-still-open-edition-print-5-x-7-only-art-100_2000x.webp
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0052/8665/8141/products/his-hand-is-stretched-out-still-open-edition-print-5-x-7-only-art-100_2000x.jpg?v=1624170299
https://havenlight.com/products/his-hand-is-stretched-out-still-by-yongsung-kim?variant=20211916570717



The Heidelberg Catechism asks: "What dost thou mean by the providence of God?" And answers: "The almighty and everywhere present power of God; whereby, as it were by His hand, He upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drinks, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by His fatherly hand."


What dost thou mean by the providence of God?
PHOTO: "What dost thou mean by the providence of God?" And answers: "The almighty and everywhere present power of God; whereby, as it were by His hand, He upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drinks, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by His fatherly hand."
Picture posted by Faces of Ancient Europe@AncientEurope
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhzjt6onjFWbx4RqBwdchEIOKzXktFjnmhARGye3lccUY02LUSEAvaoeZpyJjoJdmb0h7Oawm6ViWWK4unFT5YBiIGZBQkbh1nO5v3Ml0JaRkpfrcCPXb6p3b0NeIa2N9ydf61kIhOsI/s1347/DeMyGE6WkAADFEC.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DeMyGE6WkAADFEC?format=jpg&name=large
https://twitter.com/ancienteurope/status/1000699635646849024



You and I may face terrifying circumstances in this life over which we have no control: rain or drought, fruitful or barren years, health or sickness, riches or poverty, life or death. These circumstances, when they come to us, may seem capricious (unaccountable) and mere chance, but they are not. "The force that holds them, retards them, stops and starts and guides them, is our Father's hand." [100]


We may face terrifying circumstances in this life over which we have no control: rain or drought, fruitful or barren years, health or sickness, riches or poverty, life or death.
PHOTO: We may face terrifying circumstances in this life over which we have no control: rain or drought, fruitful or barren years, health or sickness, riches or poverty, life or death. These circumstances, when they come to us, may seem capricious (unaccountable) and mere chance, but they are not. "The force that holds them, retards them, stops and starts and guides them, is our Father's hand."
Picture posted by Michelle Devani
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHu870MXMljG-9aArYC7JdMKJlHCRFua4ql6PZzYI5fLB-sPID811f7E51le0dKoWrOjh_cIZabfzBaMrYVsHC4Xh2o501dTA850nVOt9beRTfV1aA6zFE9rm19gfLK7Gich5yTWyN3og/s2000/reasons-why-you-dont-need-a-man.jpg
https://lovedevani.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/reasons-why-you-dont-need-a-man.jpg
https://lovedevani.com/reasons-why-you-dont-need-a-man



David knew this. "But you, O God, do see trouble and grief, you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you." (Psalm 10:14) [101]
 
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we learn that ‘The Sword of Damocles,’ has become a symbol for any perilous situation in which tragedy is imminent and foreboding. Especially, when we live each day with the knowledge that our fate is hanging by the slenderest of threads.

However, lord, the hand on the helve of the sword is Your strong hands, of one who loves us and cares for us as no other can. Our fate is not based on slender chance, miscalculation, or accident, but on the wisdom and goodness of the loving Father who holds the ‘sword.’

The Heidelberg Catechism provides the answer to the providence of God: ‘The almighty and everywhere present power of God; whereby, as it were by His hand, He upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drinks, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by His fatherly hand.’

We may face terrifying circumstances in this life over which we have no control: rain or drought, fruitful or barren years, health or sickness, riches or poverty, life or death. These circumstances, when they come to us, may seem capricious and mere chance, but they are not. ‘The force that holds them, retards them, stops and starts and guides them, is our Father's hand.’

Thank You Lord. We follow David who knew this. ‘But you, O God, do see trouble and grief, you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you.’

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by TravelOpel
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Reflection - Number Our Days - The Hand On The Helve
Source (book): "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Chapter 20, "The Hand On The Helve", Page 98.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, ©
2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 


Reference
[1] From "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Copyright © 2008 by David Roper, ISBN 978-981-11-7184-0, Chapter 20, "The Hand On The Helve", Page 98-100.

[99] "What is the Sword of Damocles?" ThoughtCo, ancienthistory.about.com; "Damocles," The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, Bartleby.com, https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-the-sword-of-damocles-117738

[100] Anne Johnson Flint

[101] Psalm 10:14, emphasis added


Links
Other Books - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/10/reflection-books-links.html


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