Thursday, January 5, 2012

The State of Creation


Being at home these past weeks has taught me much more than I thought it would. I have come to a stinging, painful realization. It’s something I’ve always known. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen it in the ways I’ve seen it these weeks at home. And it hurts so much.

I am now more aware than ever that this world and every person in it is sick, twisted, desolate, hopeless, and completely and facing the perils of eternal damnation.

I will admit, I can be a bit of a “head in the sand” type of person about this (I know, weird for a counseling major). I am aware of the pain. But I try to fool myself into thinking it “can’t be that bad.”

Friends… it is that bad.

I’d like to think that what I say and do on my own could make it all better. And then I won’t have to watch people I grew up with fall to pieces.

Friends… nothing I do in my own strength can do that.

The most sobering reality today is that people are dying and going to Hell today.
Dr. Bob Jones III

When I look into people’s eyes, it’s as if I can feel every ounce of pain they hold in their hearts. Even when they’re smiling.

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth
 in pain together until now.
Romans 8:22

No one has escaped the pain of being removed from fellowship with God. No one.

The truth is, every single person on earth deserves suffering and death. And deep in our hearts, every single person knows this.

We have spit in the face of God. We treat Him like trash. Like He does not deserve our love.

Friends… that is the least He deserves.

We should be standing in complete awe at His majesty. And what do we do? We laugh at it. We turn away and live our selfish, broken lives pretending to be happy.

The reason for our suffering all goes back to our sin. Our rejection of God. We have mortal bodies because we chose to directly disobey and defy God. Thus, we are broken. And thus, ultimately, we deserve eternal suffering in Hell. This is our punishment.

But guess what?

Despite everything we’ve done, every sin we’ve committed, every time that we have taken God’s love and thrown it in His face… despite all of that along with the fact we do not even deserve to be breathing right now, plus more, God still loves each and every one of us with an unheard-of, amazing, awesome, and healing love.

How ungrateful are we?

When was the last time you sincerely thanked God? And then went out and lived like you meant it?

Or maybe you’ve completely stopped believing in Him. Maybe you’ve turned to other things to satisfy you.

Drugs, alcohol, smoking, food, sports, lovers, movies, music, money, jobs… anything you love, treasure… you name it! Guess what that does to permanently heal you?

Absolutely nothing. None of it can fill the seemingly bottomless hole in your heart.

Guess Who can fill that hole?

God can.

If you own a Bible, I would ask that you take the time to read the book of Romans. Specifically, go through the following verses in the order I give them. And take your time. Discover what they truly mean. Ask yourself how they apply to you.

Romans 3:23
Romans 6:23
Romans 5:8
Romans 10:13
Romans 10:9, 10

If you don’t own a Bible, get in touch with me. I will make sure you become the owner of a New Testament as soon as possible.

You. Yes, you. If you’re still with me, please… stay just a little bit longer. Read on for just a little bit more.

If you are reading this and you don’t truly know Jesus, or you’re doubting, or you want to draw closer to Him, I know the pain you are feeling. Everyone does. We are all living or have lived in that kind of pain. But we don’t have to.

You know that burden you carry that’s as big as the world and twice as heavy?

Jesus wants to take that away.

He wants to heal the wounds you bear. He will not reject you. No matter how much you’ve rejected Him.

Run straight into His loving arms.
They’re wide open.
Waiting for you.

1 comment:

  1. well said. I am so blessed to have you as a daughter. Thank you Jesus.

    Love,

    Dad

    ReplyDelete