I've been thinking a lot lately about security. Specifically, the security that comes from resting in God's beautiful love for me. Why is it that I so often feel that His acceptance of me somehow rests on what I do...how I act?? Human nature, maybe...we are taught from a young age that a good performance earns more praise, positive reaction, better report (and rightly so perhaps, in most cases).
Yet this attitude so often carries over into my relationship with my Father in heaven. Lately though, He's been gently showing me that His love isn't something that I will be able to fully understand during this life. It's deeper...wider...stronger...than any earthly love I will ever experience. And nothing will ever separate me from that Love.
Nothing I do will make Him Love me more. At the same time, as the realization of the fullness of that love slowly dawns on me, it fuels my desire to please Him, trust Him, obey Him.
On Palm Sunday, one of our church elders shared a message that has come to mind again and again this week. We looked at the account of Jesus' trial, when Pilate gave the people a choice between Barabbas and Jesus....and saw the meaning of Barabbas' name: "Bar" = son, and "abba" = father (in an endearing way; daddy). Barabbas could have been any one of us - he stood already condemned because of his sin...he is representative of all humanity. When Jesus took his place - the perfect Son of God - He gave Barabbas, and all of us, the right to be called the true son of our Abba Father, should we choose to accept that gift.
That fresh insight on this beautiful, sobering old story filled me with new wonder at the Love that would do the unthinkable for me. And for you. May this thought never grow old, and may His love fill your heart this weekend as we look forward to celebrating His resurrection on Sunday.
Blessings,
Rachel Elisabeth
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