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The sun streamed in the windows this morning as I awoke. A summer shower had washed the night, so crisp fresh air flooded our room. To stretch the pleasure of the dawn, I laid in bed to pray.
Interestingly, I prayed about a continuing problem situation in one of our camps. "Please, Lord, redeem this situation." One of the tracks in my mind expressed frustration that I had to daily pray that the problem would be redeemed. All of the ingredients for incredible fellowship and powerful ministry stood side-by-side, yet certain rough spots kept us praying and praying for redemption.
It occurred to me that, in the New Testament, the original language sometimes indicates that the early believers were not only 'saved' -- once in time -- but that they were 'being saved' -- a continuing work of redemption.
Since I must continually be redeemed, why do I chafe against another need for a continuing work of redemption? The answer boldly pierces my heart: Because my deep-rooted arrogance denies my own need for continuous redemption, the next logical step is to condemn others for needing their own continuous work of grace.
In the popular comedy, "What About Bob?" multiple phobias cripple the main character to the point of complete helplessness. But, Bob recognizes his neediness, and incredibly and comedically forgives everyone else. He always forgives, and even believes the highest and best motives are behind others actions, even when the other lead character obviously loathes him and even tries to murder him. It seems to me that this grace that he freely, lavishly, and crazily extends to others is rooted in his recognition of his own lack.
Would to God that we could see our own need for His continuous work of redemption without the painful situations often necessary to burn the truth into our hearts. Unfortunately, the pride in most of us dies slowly . . . and often only through pain.
The next thought, though, is how do we realistically address situations that need correction, while standing in the revelation of our own continuous need for God's redemptive work in our lives? While painting the house last month, someone had to be on the ladder. Though I fear heights, I bravely climbed. Reaching the top, I could hardly paint. With both legs and both arms tightly wrapped around the ladder, I couldn't get the brush to the wood! While I am sure there is more to the answer than this, I am also sure that, to keep from falling, we must wrap all appendages tightly around the cross, and constantly ask for His mercy, His grace, and the continuous work of redemption that we constantly need.
I feel some delight that I don't have the complete answer . . . I'm looking forward to another surprise 'revelation' . . . maybe tomorrow morning! |
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A Morning Revelation |
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