In my first set of three stories in the Series category, I retell the tales of three murders. Moses the actual murderer, David the conspirator to murder, and Paul the accessory to murder, were men with a checkered past who ended up completely changed and have influenced generations for centuries. If it were today, they might have been tucked away into a prison system without a speck of hope for a bright future. Shouldn’t they have been put into the trash heap of “useless” humanity? Didn’t they deserve the utmost wrath of justice? Many would say yes, they earned consequences and really didn’t deserve a second chance. But God . . .
After a forty year exile, Moses went on to lead the new nation of Israel and write the Pentateuch (Torah), the foundation of the Jewish faith for millennia and the wellspring of Christianity under the inspiration of the Almighty. David suffered the loss of his child, but went on to write the some of the most beautiful and passionate psalms under the influence of the Holy Spirit that inspire heartfelt worshipers even today. After having been healed of his blindness, Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, went on to pen a good chunk of the New Testament.
By no means am I suggesting that people should not have consequences for evil or unlawful deeds. No, no, no. Laws are necessary for stability and protection within society. I am, however, suggesting that God is willing to use broken and disgraced vessels, transforming them by His power to walk in what was and is their destiny. Grace, love, forgiveness, restoration, redemption. These are not just nice words for nice people. They are a reality for broken, lost, and wrecked lives. We all fit into that category at some point in our lives; sometimes more than once. With the love, strength, and conviction of the Holy Spirit, should we not also extend hope and encouragement to those who are suffering as a result of some really bad decisions?
God, in His infinite love, beckons all people to live for Him. The Holy Spirit draws humanity to receive the gift of salvation and redemption by receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior, but does not leave us to our own devices when we respond. He leads and teaches us through God’s Word and through communion with Him so that we are transformed into the image of Christ. Oh, this grace is not cheap by any means. It cost Jesus everything and it will cost you everything too. It will require you to die to the old nature and take on the new nature of Him, but the payoff is abundant life now and for eternity.
Note to reader: If you have never made an intentional decision to be a disciple of Jesus, to live the life He intended for you, and to continue into eternity with Him, Here is a prayer you can pray with heartfelt sincerity. It’s a starting point for your life to take on a new direction.
Heavenly Father, I thank you that you have revealed my true nature to me. I admit that I am in need of your grace and mercy. I receive Jesus as Lord and Savior in my life and I believe in my heart that He has redeemed me, saved me, and now sanctifies me. I receive the Holy Spirit in all of His fullness so that I may grow in the grace and knowledge of God, and be transformed into the image of Christ by renewing my mind according to Your Holy Word. I forgive all who have wronged me and I receive your forgiveness for wronging You. My life is Yours to do as You see fit. Thank you, Lord, that I am now a child of the Most High God and joint heirs with Jesus to all that You have for me. I shall fulfill my destiny as I stay close to You and heed Your voice. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Welcome to the family.