I heard an interesting statement recently that went something like, “When everything you are known for is stripped away, that is who you really are.” You begin to ask yourself what you are known for when you hear something like that. I thought about the obvious and then went deeper. The conclusion I came to was that what remained could not ever be taken. Such a peace giving reality.
I did not recognize a lady, just assumed she was new to our study, until she began to speak. I had met her a week or two before, but something was dramatically different. The more I listened, I discovered that she was simply radiant from being pursued. I have seen this spark in my own eyes and a daughter’s too. Something about being wanted, gives a sense of worth and increased confidence. What I was slow to learn is this pursuit of us has been in existence since before we were even born. The One who made us has loved us with an everlasting love and it only makes sense that He would pursue us. And the world is in great need of our response to this love. For you see, “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). May each of us shine with this same kind of radiance that will light up our cities and cause others to ask questions!
Another day studying the book of Jeremiah and more thoughts come to mind. I wondered about the old and the new covenant, or promise, that is mentioned. One way required sacrifice and the other celebrates the sacrifice already given in our place. The old way requires obedience for blessing, the other requires belief and acceptance, nothing to be earned. I see two parenting styles of our God here, before the death and resurrection of Jesus and after. We just walked through this costly gift this past weekend and can continue to celebrate what is now the new promise! On this side, we know the unconditional love of our Heavenly Father and the cost He paid for us. No more striving to earn His love, we have it and now we get to model it daily. We get to start in our home, with our family and then see where He guides us. What better gift to give our children than the unconditional love we have received from God!
I recently realized a few parts of this story I am living have been told long enough. They are now woven into who God designed me to be. To keep going over them or drawing attention to a certain dogeared page, feels like idol worship or an attempt to appear strong. Perhaps to gain a bit of identity from it too. There is much to be thankful for, a plan, a purpose and more suffering to endure, as long as we live here on earth. This is my own conviction and I would not dare interfere with where you are in your story.
I remind us of the words spoken to Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…” (Jeremiah 1:17). If this was true for Jeremiah, then it is true for us too. That does not mean we understand or even like some parts, but I do not want to just stop living. Besides, God also says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” (Jeremiah 31:3).
Lord, please remind us of your love and faithfulness, especially in the hard parts of our story.
Table of Olives 