I was so consumed by guilt and my own wrongdoing, that I was not even willing to listen to God, just waiting for what the punishment would be.
When I heard that still small voice tugging at the end of my heart, I stopped to listen, and heard something I never expected to hear.
Am I bigger than your failings?
Well that certainly came as a shock, I was like of course God you are, you can redeem anything. He started to show me how he dealt with sinners like me in the bible, bringing story after story into life.
When Peter denied Christ three times! There was no condemnation, but loving embrace. And a challenge to 'feed his sheep'.
When David had failed with Bathsheba, His lineage continued to the very messiah and king of all days, Jesus. He remained king and ruled wisely until the end.
But the clincher, the classic, the one we have all heard a million times before came to mind. Luke 15, the parable of the lost son. Now I don't have to describe it to you as I am sure that you have heard it a million times before. So I will just say this.
When the son was expecting a blow, he received a ring.
When the son expected a harsh word, he received a cloak.
When the son expected to work for the rest of his days as a servant, he became a son.
God is not in the business of shame, or condemnation, but of dignity respect and love. He strengthens, He lifts up.
Of course I must say here that this is only when we come to him with a humble heart. He resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. If we come to him as the Pharisees did, proud in our sin and actions, we will be brought low.
But when we are stripped of dignity, of life, and of hope. He cloths us with His love, His power, and His grace.
When we expect to be disowned, He shows us that we are chosen, to be His sons and daughters. Adopted co-heirs with Christ.
He is mighty to save, and his love is deeper than the depths of the seas. Noting can separate us from the love of Christ.
As a final word, and encouragement, He said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
His grace is sufficient for you. His power is made perfect in your weakness, never be proud to think we can do it alone. And never be proud to think that God can't help you. Or that you are too bad or dirty to be saved. He is the God of all faithfulness. And His grace is so much more powerful than anything on earth.
Peace,
Daniel