In the 53rd chapter of Isaiah we read a description of the Suffering Servant. The Messiah. The Christ. It's quite a dramatic depiction of not just the suffering of the Lamb of God but also the accomplishment of Salvation through His sacrifice. It is a passage that most Christians are at least vaguely familiar with and includes the statement that "by His stripes, we are healed" This comment refers to the scourging of Jesus before His crusifixion and points to the fact that Jesus suffering was necessary to bring about the forgiveness of sin. My understanding of this relationship took a leap forward a few years back as I sat at one of several stations during a Maundy Thursday service. This table simply had a Bible and paper and pencils for writing down your thoughts as you considered the whole story of Jesus' crucifixion. Following are my writings from this time.
"By His stripes we are healed. Those stripes have a very personal origin. My sin. My shortcomings. My intentional turning away. I am not a bystander in this crucifixion. I am actively involved. The beauty of this is that God twisted things around to use the very thing that brought His death to bring me life. No wonder it all confounds the intellectuals so.
-----though your sin be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.
-----He doesn't say wait till tomorrow,
or you should have been here before.
He just says come.
He is nothing like me."
You know this New Testament gospel is kind of difficult to really figure out. Or maybe it's just hard to put into words. I would say that I have experienced forgiveness and mercy and am, at some level, following Christ. However, there is this constant battle between assigning worth to my existence by way of standing strong against temptation, and then the idea that I am not at all defined by my own discipline but rather by God's mercy. Specifically, I would like to express some, likely, controversial ideas about forgiveness. If a friend has an affair, giving in to temptation and momentarily putting aside his or her faith, I am disappointed and hurt by his or her actions. It is like a fellow soldier has betrayed the fight. While forgiveness is readily available from our heavenly Father, due to His ability to see the heart directly, it comes more slowly from me because I have to deal with all the feelings and emotions while trying to discern my friends heart. I suppose I feel a need to hear some kind of confession of wrong doing or see evidence of a contrite spirit. Nothing too elaborate just a sentence or two explaining his or her understanding of wrong doing and a request for forgiveness. God's forgiveness will see my friend into heaven, but my lack of forgiveness may hamper our relationship here on earth. We may, in fact, continue our pursuit of faith, in different directions, though a legitimate pursuit both would be. But the better outcome would be to offer forgiveness to a friend and continue on this pursuit together. Encouraging, helping and holding one another accountable as before. It's quite possible that I am exposing a very selfish point of view here, but I do not subscribe to the idea that forgiveness can be a one way street. Throughout the gospel we are compelled to take action, on the knowledge of our sinfulness, and come to Christ for forgiveness. If one wants to suggest forgiving someone who has died then I might see a place for that. For letting go of a sin or wrong doing whose source is no longer able to express sorrow for their actions. But how can a sin that has not been acknowledged be forgiven? How can a gift that remains in your closet on Christmas day be opened? Again, the forgiveness that offers eternal life comes from God the Father, so if I do not perceive, or become aware of, ones sorrow for their actions, and therefore, do not have the opportunity to offer my personal forgiveness, it is of temporary concern, and will not impact the salvation of either person. While we are commanded to forgive, as we have been forgiven, again this implies the admission of guilt. My forgiveness came through such an admission. I'm thinking this blog may not make the cut. This subject needs much more time to develop. Nevertheless, maybe it will give you something to think about, or get mad about and form your own ideas of why I'm all wet. Don't worry, if you confess the bad thoughts you are having about me, I will forgive you.
Geepers, a long day indeed. Not all bad, however, in fact, not much bad, just long. I always enjoy driving through the Flint Hills. Especially, in early morning or late evening, both scenarios which played out today. Mile marker 212 on the Kansas Turnpike was my destination and I had to leave early, (from mile marker 42), to be sure and get there when I was expected. It seems like a good idea to, as much as possible, fulfil your boss' expectations so an early departure time it was. The sun joined me at just the right time to offer it's attributes to the subtle attractiveness of the hills. The shading offered by the sun light, really adds a sense of depth to the scene. Very enjoyable indeed. Then, again, with some good timing provided by those in authority over me, my journey home was met with the setting sun. Adding some nice hues to the erratic but substantial cirrus clouds that had moved in late in the day. Their wispy ornamental boarders, separated from the strata of cloud that occupied a quarter or so of the horizon, caught the last of the falling suns rays which lit them with a pink and orange light. A marvellous ending to my day. At home, staying on a roughly weather related theme, there was an email with a Christmas greeting. To be brief, something in it made me think of one of my favourite verses. (seems like this spell check is of Old English origin). Isaiah 1:18, "Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow, though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool." I love a couple of things about this verse. What about the Creator of the universe, the perfect, all knowing, all powerful King of Kings, coming to earth, seems so very reasonable. Coming to sinful earth, a fallen world. Reason, to me, would seem to dictate another flood or something. Just wipe it all out and start again. Somehow, it's reasonable to God, to take my sin and make it as if it never happened. I think Spock would be very disappointed in God's reasoning ability at this point. And, as white as snow, is such a great picture. Think of an old falling down, weathered old barn that would be described as an eye sore by most. Now, cover it, and the surrounding country side, with a blanket of snow. Now, instead of an eye sore, it's a sight for sore eyes. An aesthetically pleasing scene. Think of forgiveness, which is something I struggle with, that is, forgiving others for wrongs against you. Think of our offering someone forgiveness as throwing snowballs at them. No, not hoping to put an eye out, but covering them with the snow God sent to cover your sins. My forgiveness would be the dirty snow left by the side of the road several days after it has fallen. God's snow is clean and pure and much more effective. OK, enough for now. I'll see if I can find a good Flint Hills pic to stick on the page for you.Later,Bert
