Friday, May 24, 2013

A Chasm Reality

If we are all honest, the space between what we wish we were and what we really are, and have become, is big.  No matter how hard we try, we tend to focus on that gap and we should.  When your focus is there, what do you see?  Do you see the letdowns, the failures, and the struggles?  Or do you see the truth of what fills that gap.  Everyone has this chasm in their reality.  When we honestly come to the table as the sinners we are, we see a growing chasm between our sinfulness and God’s holiness.  This truth is what really causes either depression or thanksgiving or both in that order.  Depression, anger, and resentment come from focusing on an “empty” gap between the realities of our condition.  Praise, Joy, and Thanksgiving come from focusing on the GOSPEL filling that gap.  A focus on the Cross filling that gap, because of the GRACE of a sovereign God, allows us to live by a FAITH that produces joy and progress and renewal. 
I think we first have to realize that this has to come from an outward place, not an inward place of work and struggle.  Believe what Jesus says in Matthew 9:13:  Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”  If Jesus tells us that He DESIRES to give mercy, and that He came to save sinners, then why would we try to fix ourselves or hide that reality.  I pray I get to a point where the mask can come off and I can be real at all times with all people.  I don’t want to paint a picture that I live and find joy by my accomplishments and sacrifices.  I want to be able to REST in Christ’s righteousness and sacrifice for me.  And say with Martin Luther that when Satan reminds me of my guilt, I find comfort because Jesus came to save the guilty and declare us innocent.  This is exactly what that means.  By Faith, you are free from the burden of fixing yourself or focusing on an empty gap or the sin that remains.  You are free to live IN CHRIST and know the fact that there is NOW no condemnation for those He has adopted into His family.  The CHASM is real (and it is real big) but the truth of the GOSPEL fills it more than we know! 
That is my PITCH for today.  Go and tell of this Good News!  Amen.