Light is only appreciated in the context of darkness; we need the contrast.

Forgiveness is only understood and valued when I know my guilty status for real.

Hope seems to make most sense when I have some grasp of hopelessness.

Reading Ezekiel and other exilic writers has caused me to see that, until all the sources of false hope are stripped away, we find it very difficult to grasp the wonder and majesty of the One who brings and gives hope.

He is stripped of everything that formed stability and hope.
<ul>
	<li>The temple with all its routine and structure; he was after all a priest, his father before him, and so on.</li>
	<li>The Establishment of royalty and hierarchy, setting the scene, calling the shots, creating the context for life; the young king is in the shack next door.</li>
	<li>The land, given by God, promised forever; now desecrated and overrun.</li>
	<li>His family, presumably his parents were left back home to face the final debacle and destruction; even His wife is taken from him. (Ezek. 24:18)</li>
</ul>
Here, on the banks of a foreign river, where almost nothing is familiar, where all his working assumptions are shot, he encounters God in all His majesty. This God was there, back in Jerusalem, yet not so intimate. He was taken for granted and assumed; in the background.

My hope is not based upon ritual, role or setting, not even precious relationships; but on the awesome, yet initmate presence of God. Is that enough? I am sure that some would say that, in their time of trial, He has been found wanting. My experience has been other. All my working assumptions were stripped away; home (country), family (but not my wife), career, church and most friendships. After much complaining, intensive interrogation and detailed questioning; I found Him trustworthy, challenging and present.

Now, with home regained, family (and wife) close by, new opportunities revealed, and faith community regained; I dare not forget the central lesson learned – that it is “<em>Christ in me the hope of glory</em>” and nothing, nothing else.