your love's return
Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 03:45AM What if?
What if we think of the cross differently. We always see the cross in relation to what it did for us. Jesus died as a ransom for our sins. We are held in captivity and the wrath of God must be satisfied. God somehow, in a box.
What if Jesus died to fulfill the promise? If the Father loves the Son then why let Him die? What if it was because there is no other way to keep the promise, save the marriage, interrupt the divorce and rescue the Father's reputation? What if Gomer had turned around and repented for her sin to embrace Hosea again? What if the Son does this out of love for the Father? What if the Father raises the Son out of pure love for the Son who had proven to be faithful? What if the story is about love rather than wrath?
What if the cross is about something other than us? What if the cross is the solution to the dilemma of God?
"His purpose is not so much to save humanity from destruction as to rescue his reputation.”
Reader Comments (1)
Ok, fine, say that is the case... but how are you different in light of this revelation? Did something change for you when you began to comprehend this difference? Share about your "before and after". Are you more or less cynical, more or less loving, more or less at peace with the world, are your human relationships better or worse? Do you feel closer to God? Why should I follow where you're going?
I want to hear about your personal transformation. You captivated many over the years through the sharing of your own story...missteps, triumphs, joys, sorrows... I could relate to you because I saw my own life through yours...finally a leader willing to be REAL - one who had struggles but knew God loved him unconditionally. In attempting to walk out of the belief was in turn gracious, loving, inviting and accepting of others(me).
That fueled me - it pointed/ focused me back to Jesus - who fueled me even more. You acted as the conduit for me and many others.
Like the young person who meets his favorite rock star and says, "when I listen to your music, it's like you were reading my mind...I can relate to you, you lyrics articulate exactly what I have been feeling all along. I thought I was the only one...".
I want to get it. Maybe you've been saying it and I've missed it. Maybe you just have to "dumb it down" for me a little. Maybe I am being too pragmatic. Maybe I am unclear in my raving.
I am afraid that without hearing more about how your life intersects with this Grand meta narrative.... I'll just be stuck doing mental gymnastics.
I do get (and like/feel) your song and prayer!