Here’s what we know: we are the Body of Christ, we are separated from our old life through our baptism into Jesus, and raised up to a New Life, everything old is no more and all things have been made new, Jesus was God in the flesh, the Divine on earth among men and women. Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies concerning him. John, Jesus’ cousin, was the voice in the wilderness calling folks to prepare the way for Jesus. Jesus was also the pure, spotless lamb, whose sacrificed blood opened a door for us that had been closed since Adam fell. And, if that isn’t plenty already, Jesus sent his Spirit (3rd person of the Godhead) to convict us and teach us and help our understanding when it is lacking, plus to comfort us when necessary. I apologize for this rough outline of the abundance of the abundant life which is abundantly available to us, now, this very second, and always.
In the Garden of Eden, God came to Adam (and later, both Adam and Eve). Turning just one page, and sin is now rapidly infecting the world. And because of that, God becomes a God who has to issue an invitation for men and women to come to Him rather than His freely coming to them. Imagine! The God of the Universe must seek our permission, our Yes, to now have the fellowship He and Adam once savored with complete freedom! And we, His children, have the audacious liberty to say No! to His asking! (yikes and double yikes!)
What would be a reasonable scenario where we (see first paragraph) would choose to return His RSVP with a No, I’m busy, I have to sweep the patio that day? I mean, this is our Abba, Father, the Lover of our Souls, our Redeemer, the Lifter of our Heads, and on and on eternally! And yet, new invitations incessantly arrive at our hearts every minute of every day. He is longing for us to be back, safe in His arms.
Every season of our lives, every shorter stretch of days, knows God’s watchful care, His compassionate gaze, His provision for the time. Waiting? He’s there. Hurting? He’s there. Longing? He’s right there. The ultimate ‘Johnny on the Spot’! Just one more amazing promise to bless you: “But for you, the ones who tremble at the sound of My name, a warm sun of righteousness will come forth with healing in its rays, and you will go out [with joy], springing from the stalls like calves in open pasture.” Malachi 4:2, VOICE. Yes! PD
