Author: astherainandsnow

“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
    make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
    and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall become straight,
    and the rough places shall become level ways,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”’” Luke 3:1-6

In a set moment of time, to which Israel had looked forward for centuries, John the Baptist was anointed to announce the Messiah. In all the ages of history, the day of Christ’s coming was at hand. The way of the Lord would bring change like none other, a revolution of righteousness and salvation and hope that would make sense of the world’s chaos since Eden.

Jesus would fill every valley of lonely and hopelessness, and bring down every mountain of impossibility. He would straighten out confusion and smooth every rough circumstance with peace, comfort, and hope. By carrying our grief and shame, He would deliver us unto eternal joy. What a message, what a hope, available to all flesh! This beloved Son of God, with whom He was pleased, was coming to make us sons forever! (Isaiah 53:3-5; Luke 3:22; Romans 8:14-17; 1 John 3:1)

Assigned to our season and place and moment in time, do we look for and see the Lord’s life at work? How are we making smooth His way in our homes, workplaces, churches, communities? To whom, and how clearly, are we proclaiming the hope of salvation? How might we join the angels’ song to laud our Lord and tell of His healing and hope? What needs to change in our demeanor and daily practices for the world around us to see Him in all His glory? (Esther 4:14; Acts 17:26)

“Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King:
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!’
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th’angelic hosts proclaim,
‘Christ is born in Bethlehem!’

Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of the Virgin’s womb:
veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th’incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King.'” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, may I see Thee afresh every day, and by my life cause others to see You too.

“We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

“I press on... One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way.” Philippians 3:12-15

“Continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel… For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” Colossians 1:23,29

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven
    and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
    giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
    it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
    and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11

Into the quagmire of struggling to concentrate in prayer, rain breaks in, pelting through angst and wrestling to remind that this effort and God’s word would not return void. Keep on, keep on pounds the heavy, rhythmic tap of rain. Ah, how kind and timely is the Lord, listening intently to soul cries, granting both will and way to Him, answering even as we ask. My word shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed. (Isaiah 65:24; Matthew 6:8; Philippians 2:13)

We may see only grey haze, He sees eternal blue. Clouds clog, swirl, speed along, His clarity remains untouched. We agitate and choke on uncertainty and always-changing scapes, yet He serenely, sovereignly rules. The enemies of distraction and doubt persist in their pester, but He stays steadfast, available, real. Keep on, keep on. Always He listens, always He abides. Faithfully He answers, guides, and inspires. When we taste His good, He turns apathy into appetite, dread into desire. (Psalm 34:8)

What causes us to resist reading His word and approaching His throne? Have we allowed enough time, separated from distractions? Have we set aside other responsibilities that would draw us off course? Have we opened the door to competing affections that vie for our devotion? (Do we need to leave our devices elsewhere?) When we shake off spiritual sloth, boldly press toward God’s throne of grace, admit our struggle, and plead for His intervention and favor, He helps, and blesses our effort unto immediate growth. (Hebrews 4:16; 1 Peter 2:4-5,9-11)

His word is not empty, but our very life! Why do we doubt its power and benefit? Keeping on is always worth the struggle, and that keeps the enemy taunting, beguiling. What lies are we believing: that my gut feelings are better, my instincts need no heavenly enlightenment? My other priorities are more important? My drive is sufficient, my strength adequate, my present knowledge enough? I don’t have time? Keep on, keep on through the urgencies of this world. Denounce the devil’s deceptions, press on in faith, and enjoy the life-giving blessing from time with Jesus. (Deuteronomy 32:47)

Lord, keep me pressing on the upward way, delighting in and taking nourishment from You daily.

“One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. A woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was [there].., brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Simon,..

“’A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Which of them will love him more?’ Simon answered, ‘The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.’ And he said to him, ‘You have judged rightly… Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.’ And he said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’” Luke 7:36-48

Jesus expressed His love for the world in a myriad of ways over His short ministry on earth, and used every opportunity to illustrate and correct thinking about it. Simon the Pharisee was so taken up with his own righteousness and abhorrence of the filthy woman that he neglected to honor his guest. Jesus his guest, always redeeming the time, would turn the awkward moment to teach about love. (Isaiah 64:6; Matthew 7:1-5; Ephesians 5:15-16; Colossians 4:5)

Christ’s love is tied to forgiveness, so it is often displayed in ways we dismiss, disdain, or don’t understand. Our flesh can be repulsed by the dirty, unlovely, or crude, and calloused by wrongs done to us, and so fail to recognize that Jesus came for sinners, and we too are filthy renegades before a holy Savior. We measure love by feelings, and center it around ourselves. But His is so much higher and broader and reaches so much deeper that it takes great knowing of Him and ourselves to grasp it. (Psalm 103:11-12; Ephesians 3:17-19)

When we accept that His amazing love broke through our sin to save us from its curse, we are freed to love others in the grace we’ve received. We may then express it in varied ways: through a spoken word, or a caustic word held back; a gentle touch, or a firm press of discipline; stored up patience, or poured out ointment. We’ve learned that we love because Jesus first loved us, and calls us to follow in His steps. From the well of forgiveness, how will we love another today? (John 13:15; 1 John 4:10,19)

Lord, may I lavish the love You’ve poured on and into me on all around me, in Your name and to Your glory.

“They went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.  And… made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. All who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart…

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law,  he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

‘Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
    according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
    that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and for glory to your people Israel.’

“And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.” Luke 2:16-19,25-33

The angel’s visitation announcing she would bear the Christ set Mary’s life thereafter into a state of wonder. She treasured his promise enough to visit her cousin, for whom she also believed his promise. She received Elizabeth’s blessing, and responded to it with spontaneous praise to her God. After Jesus’ birth, she marveled at what the shepherds said, what Simeon said, what Anna said, and what He at age twelve taught in the temple and said, carefully handling and tucking inside each glorious revelation about her firstborn, God’s Son. (Luke 1:30-55; 2:36-38,41-46,49-52)

We too can savor every fresh revelation of and from our Savior. His word, people, and creation all speak to His wondrous attributes and deeds, and should daily instill adoration that transforms our thinking and worship. What am I hearing about Jesus that causes me to marvel? Are His promises inspiring awe and gratitude? Would I rejoice in the wonder, relish the meditation, and turn pondering to praise? (Psalm 19:1; Revelation 15:3)

And how will I spark consideration of Jesus in others? What portrait of His mercy can encourage the hopeless or destitute, or comfort from His compassion can console the lonely or hurting? What thanksgiving for faithful help, specific answers to prayer, personal conviction or guidance from His Spirit will I express to enlighten and bless?

“O come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold him,
born the King of angels.

God from true God, and
Light from Light eternal,
born of a virgin, to earth he comes!
Only-begotten Son of God the Father

Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, 
born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be all glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:

O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!” ~John Francis Wade (1711-1786)

Lord, may the treasures of Your grace compel days of wonder, praise, and blessing others in Your name.

“And [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’

“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child…  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” Luke 2:7-17,20

It was another serene night, shepherds watching their flocks under a black sky dotted with stars. While eyes and ears were intent on their flocks, heart beats had slowed and bodies had settled into the slow amble of the cool night watch where all was quiet and movement was minimal. Suddenly, a blinding blaze of glory, a clear and crisp announcement, and a host of angels praising God! All would jumpstart their pulse and engage every sense, compelling them to action they’d never considered. Life would never be the same after they found Jesus.

Have we eased into complacency and ambled into dull senses in everyday routines? By regular repeated inaction, we can find it counter to our nature to respond to God’s call when it comes. Are we too settled in longtime habits to change direction, too sleepy in our thinking to awaken to His inspiration, too settled in our comfy places to break out of a provincial mindset? Will we die for lack of vision and risk losing our edge on responsiveness to Christ? (Proverbs 29:18)

The Lord calls us to energetic obedience, and ready willingness to change direction, gird up the loins of faith, make haste, and do good. His love constrains us to meet the needs of others, His mercy to extend grace among us. How willing are we to drop everything to run to and for Him? (2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Galatians 6:9-10; Hebrews 12:1-2; James 1:22; 1 Peter 1:13)

Lord, may I haste to You each day, eager to greet You, know You better, and love You more. Fill me and change me and compel me to Your good, unto Your glory.

“The pride of your heart has deceived you,
    you who live in the clefts of the rock,
    in your lofty dwelling,
who say in your heart,
    ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’
Though you soar aloft like the eagle,
    though your nest is set among the stars,
    from there I will bring you down,
declares the Lord…

“But do not gloat over the day of your brother
    in the day of his misfortune;
do not rejoice over the people of Judah
    in the day of their ruin;
do not boast
    in the day of distress.
Do not enter the gate of my people
    in the day of their calamity;
do not gloat over his disaster
    in the day of his calamity;
do not loot his wealth
    in the day of his calamity…
For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations.
As you have done, it shall be done to you;
    your deeds shall return on your own head.” Obadiah 3-4,12-13,15

“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in,  and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there,’ or, ‘Sit down at my feet,’  have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?.. You have dishonored the poor man…

“If you really fulfill the royal law.., ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” James 2:1-4,6a,8-9

Putting self on a pride-braced pedestal to lord it over others is a nasty habit and dishonoring to the Maker of us all. Famous or unknown, successful or failure, strong or weak, intelligent or simple, all are in His image made. Showing favoritism and puffing up ourselves at the expense of others belittles them and ignores or dismisses their value. (James 2:15-16)

What causes us to think more highly of ourselves and less of others than we ought? Likely we carry some insecurity that compels us to compare, and when we come up short, we have to find someplace or someway to exert superiority. We don lenses of pomposity, and pick at the grit and specks in others while failing to recognize our own. Actually, we’re all dust, every one of us destined to fade like the grass of the field. While God appoints different gifts and callings, He loves and treasures us all. (Psalm 103:14; Luke 6:41-42; John 3:16; Romans 12:3; 1 Peter 1:24)

Do we teeter on self-constructed high horses, looking down, struggling to maintain a semblance of a squeaky clean, all-polish-and-success image? Do we relationally demand others accept our quirks and strong opinions without making effort to value theirs? Would we instead promote the grace of Christ by dismounting before God and seeking ways to relate to our equals with His love? (Psalm 14:1-3)

Great Father, daily remind me who I am before You. Replace any hint of guile and malice with pure love.

“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to… Nazareth,  to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. He came to her and said, ‘Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!’ But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign… forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’

“And Mary said, ‘How will this be, since I am a virgin?’

“And the angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God… Nothing will be impossible with God.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.'” Luke 1:26-38

Imagine the shock, the magnificent disruption, when Gabriel appeared. A heavenly being announced to a teenage girl that she, of all people, was the favored one blessed to bear the promised Messiah. Her response is spontaneous, and telling of her deep dedication to her Lord: a simple question, no argument, a serene, faith- and praise-filled acceptance of this benediction from her Savior.

“And Mary said,

‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name...
He has shown strength with his arm…
    and exalted those of humble estate.'” Luke 1:46-49,51-52

Those of us who know Christ are also favored to bear Him in our private and public lives. When we enjoy an intimate love relationship with Him and are intent on consistent communion, we rejoice in this privilege of making a difference for eternal generations, and similarly as Mary receive it with joy. But when we prefer to claim safety in salvation but my life as my own, we may see this bestowment as an imposition, an annoyance, a burden, or something we’d rather save for another day or season. Which is our response?

Do we chafe at the ‘restrictions’ of being known by His name, the conviction of the Spirit when we let loose with our flesh? Let Mary’s example challenge and guide us: bring Him doubts, then accept His grace as a gift to be exercised. Ask Him to arouse desire to wear His countenance, speak His words, and exhibit His grace and love. Responding to Him in thanksgiving and praise evokes willingness to serve Him with our all and take Him to the needy, lonely, and lost. (Romans 10:14-15)

Lord, may my soul magnify You for the favor of Your grace and love in Christ to me. May I serve You without fear, in holiness and righteousness to Your glory always. (Luke 1:74-79)

“The word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,’Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.’ But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.

“But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up. Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep. So the captain came and said to him, ‘What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish…’

“Then the men were exceedingly afraid and said to him, ‘What is this that you have done!’ For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them.” Jonah 1:1-6,10

The heathen mariners labeled Jonah in ways beyond their understanding. In the hurl of a great tempest, as each was crying out to his god, Jonah the disobedient was fast asleep in both body and soul. His disdain at the wicked people of Nineveh had put to sleep compassion and any appetite for God’s mercy. His hard heart had hypnotized obedience into slumber. And he was called on it in spectacular fashion. God would jolt this sleeping servant awake to achieve His ends, regardless of his spiritual drowsiness.

We do not know if Jonah stayed awake. We do know he came to his senses and fulfilled his vow of obedience, and witnessed the repentance and salvation of the people of Nineveh. But he also continued to nurse resentment, so we can imagine that the Lord may have continually, lovingly, faithfully, nudged him awake throughout his prophet years unto His gracious character. God doesn’t give up on His own. (Jonah 2:3-6,9-10; 3:1-5,10; 4:1-4,8-11)

Are there commands that make us cringe, areas of obedience we shirk or flee? If so, check the root. Is there a bitterness against wrong done to us, or a resentment at another’s seeming successes regardless of unjust or greedy dealings? Do we think ourselves above someone else’s behavior choices? Have we failed to extend mercy as Jesus has to us? Do we insist on some right we think we deserve, or simply prefer our plans over God’s? Would we see that His commands are for the good of everyone, including us whom He is sanctifying? (Deuteronomy 10:12-17; Psalm 37:1-13; Hebrews 12:15)

What adjustments might we make to schedule and attitude to increase our attentiveness to the Lord? Taking time to focus on Him and His goodness instills eagerness to understand His ways and follow His lead. Active obedience brings rest to our souls.

Lord, awaken me to Your mercies every day, and keep me attentive and responsive to Your voice. Shine on me unto wise walking and obedient living, to the praise of Your grace and glory. (Lamentations 3:22-23; Ephesians 5:14-16)

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
    make known his deeds among the peoples!
Sing to him, sing praises to him;
    tell of all his wondrous works!
Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Seek the Lord and his strength;
    seek his presence continually!
Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
    his miracles and the judgments he uttered!..

Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
    Tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and he is to be feared above all gods…
Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and joy are in his place.

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering and come before him!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
   tremble before him, all the earth…
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,
    and let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!’
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
    let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy
    before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures forever!..
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting!

Then all the people said, ‘Amen!’ and praised the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 16:8-12,23-25,27-34,36

David’s paean of praise ignites the contented, joy-filled soul. Thanksgiving can and should be all consuming, the uplifting fire that fuels our every thought and action. It begins with Godward thinking, intentional looking for Him and His hand in every detail. To seek Him is to call on Him, search for Him, discover His wondrous works, and ascribe to Him due glory. As we come to know Him, we spontaneously tremble before His splendor, majesty, glory, strength, joy, and praiseworthy deeds. In recognizing Him everywhere in heavens and earth and hearts, we cannot help but sing for joy along with all He has made.

A natural rhythm of thanksgiving will influence others. How are we leading the charge in places of community and industry, neighborhood or informal gatherings, to give thanks? Expressing gratitude can disarm the pessimist and whiner. Changing the subject from catty gossip, complaining, constant griping over leaders, neighbors, and circumstances to that of the good, lofty, and praiseworthy can transform the atmosphere. Where will we invite others to join a melody of gratitude? (1 Chronicles 16:1-7)

Such a spirit of gratitude will leave behind a fragrance that lingers long after we are gone. How might we infect others to keep on in continual praise at home, work, and places of ministry? Where might we sprinkle a song that reminds someone of God’s kindness and care so they carry on its happy contagion? (1 Chronicles 16:37-43)

Would we begin and continue our days praising God? Joyful obsession with the glory of His name invigorates a life of spontaneous thanksgiving and song.

Most gracious Lord, I give You thanks and praise and the honor You deserve. Keep me seeking and marveling at Your wondrous works, and spreading the gladness of Your glory in the atmosphere of my life.

“I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and he said:

‘Strike the capitals until the thresholds shake,
    and shatter them on the heads of all the people;
and those who are left of them I will kill with the sword;
    not one of them shall flee away;
    not one of them shall escape.

‘If they dig into Sheol,
    from there shall my hand take them;
if they climb up to heaven,
    from there I will bring them down.
If they hide themselves on the top of Carmel,
    from there I will search them out and take them;
and if they hide from my sight at the bottom of the sea,
    there I will command the serpent, and it shall bite them.
And if they go into captivity before their enemies,
    there I will command the sword, and it shall kill them;
and I will fix my eyes upon them
    for evil and not for good.'” Amos 9:1-4

“Where shall I go from your Spirit?
    Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me,
    and the light about me be night,’
even the darkness is not dark to you;
    the night is bright as the day,
    for darkness is as light with you.” Psalm 139:7-12

Infinite, omniscient God spreads His holiness and love over all He has made. There is nothing that escapes Him, nowhere to flee His hand. He looks on both evil and good, sees all, and upholds His word. The magnificent indescribable bridge between sure destruction and assured security is that of His mighty mercy on the cross, spanning the chasm and sustaining all who come to Him. (Psalm 103:6-13; Proverbs 15:3; Amos 9:13-15)

We may feel the chasm is too broad to traverse. We carry too much shame, we’ve procrastinated too long, we can never measure up or change. We carry the weight of judgment on ourselves without recognizing and accepting that Christ came to bear that weight and heal what cripples us. He is the span! (Isaiah 53:4-6; John 14:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

His outstretched arms provide, with deepest compassion and love, the way for us to cross. Will we take it? Will we come to our senses about what divides us from our Lord- the crud that piles up between us, the attitudes and proclivities that sully our communion- and get serious about confession? Then will we put it all away? Coming to Him, crossing that bridge, is turning our back on and leaving behind the old city of regret, the dabbling in worldliness, mess of crude and destructive thinking, and ungodly behavior.

“Return, faithless Israel,
declares the Lord.
I will not look on you in anger,
    for I am merciful…
I will not be angry forever.” Jeremiah 3:12

“It shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For… there shall be those who escape,.. and among the survivors those whom the Lord calls.” Joel 2:32

Lord, may I daily trust, travel on, and rejoice in Your wide mercy.