The Wanderer

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Tonight I ventured to the Gulf to watch the sunset for a dear friend. As I was capturing my pictures, I couldn’t help but think of the depths of the love of Jesus as I slowly waded into the water (surprise! I do photography once in a while too). As I watch the water lap onto the shore in my mind’s eye, I imagine the gentle grace that is poured into our lives by the Maker of the oceans. He knows my name. He parts the waters for His people. He rescues them from bondage, both physical and spiritual. This season is the time for celebrating the gracious love of Christ shown during the Passover feast when He became the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb. As you remember the story of the cross, do not forget the grace-filled story of the Exodus. Beloved, the God who parts seas and speaks life into existence, has called you and me to go deeper into His love. God is love. Without knowing and chasing Him, we cannot love others correctly.

We wade deeper, first getting our toes wet. Then, our ankles. Then, our knees. Then, our waist. Until we are finally sinking deep into His marvelous love. He is compassionate and close to those with broken hearts (Psalm 147:3, Matthew 5:4). He saved and delivered Israel when He heard their cry (Exodus 6:9). Many of us remember our beloved Saviour and His sacrificial love during this season of Passover. He paid a debt we never could. But before He ever started His trial, He prayed for us. Recorded in the book of John chapter 17, Jesus has you and me on His mind before His death. He went to the cross with you in His mind. Whether or not you accept Him, He gave you the opportunity to be free. He went to the cross not to commit suicide but as a soldier who goes to the front lines to defend the freedom of those he loves. He went to the cross and carried the weight of our debt on His shoulders out of love. It is incomprehensible to our finite humane minds, but He prayed for us. He asks us to go deeper into Him to discover who He is. When you have a relationship with someone, whether they be a friend or more, you want to get to know them more. Well, dear friend, Jesus wants to know you. This world will try to promise you something it calls love and compassion, but is twisted. Apart from God, no man can love with true sacrificial love.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1 John 4:7-10

When someone does not know the Father, they do not know how to love. That is why we are to love one another as the bride of Christ, so that others may see we are different. It is what the early church did; it is what we must do today. Love that is not of God is twisted and selfish. That is why the world is broken. She knows not God and therefore does not know the true essence of love. Wade deeper into the oceans of His goodness, grace, and compassion. Find what humanity cannot give you and rejoice in the One who created you. Christians have many faults, but we are just humans who recognize our wicked hearts and have placed faith in a God who can heal us. He has promised forgiveness to any who asks. Will you join me in wading deeper? The water is warmer the closer you get to the All-Consuming Fire of His righteous presence. Don’t be numb and cold in this harsh, cruel, dark world. Trust in the Lord. He will revive your heart. He will give you a heart of flesh to replace the heart of stone that weighs you down. What have you got to lose? Your pride? Wade deeper with me. He is calling. Will you answer? Love God so that you may love others completely. The more you are with Him, the more set apart you will be. Love Him so that you may love others. He will send those who need you. Let go and trust Him.

P.S. I have a post coming, hopefully soon, about how our mindsets can set us back, keeping us enslaved to the old man who was crucified with Christ. May my brain start the wheels!