That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:10-11
Have you ever had a recipe that failed you? My grandmother, who was an amazing cook and baker, would always say that her recipes were a flop. This is how I am starting to view 2020, ONE BIG FLOP. As fall approaches the temperature is starting to drop and everything seems to be falling apart and failing at our house, including this e-learning. I was reminded on Sunday, that fall is a great time of year. The leaves have to die and fall from the tree in order to protect it for the winter months. This has convicted me to fall and die to self too, die to my selfishness and my first world issues. To consider what that looks like in this season, where sacrifice should be the norm and falling into the loving arms of Jesus should be my constant.
Most people do not want to sacrifice or let go of their comforts. I don’t want to fail or give up. There are times when failing brings me to the perfect place for God to take control and bring healing, forgiveness and freedom – true and lasting freedom. There is a parable in the Bible (Luke 15) that beautifully illustrates the principle of failing and redemption. There was a son who wanted his inheritance early, to go and do with it whatever he wanted. He partied like the best of them, gaining friends for the moment. When the money ran dry, the friends ran away with it. He squandered his time and money. In desperation, he found a place to work cleaning up after pigs. He had fallen on the hardest of times. In despair, he resolved to go home and beg for a place to work as a servant in his father’s house. I am sure that was a long journey home eating humble pie. Yet when he was a long way off his father saw him and came running. God not only sees me when I am failing, he runs to me. As a runner, I find great encouragement in this verse, “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)
The key to this parable is the Father’s embrace! I need to look deep into my own heart and hurts, realizing who and what I rely upon. Do I look to my own comfort, joy and resilience or trust in God’s peace and protection through this tumultuous season? Many are taking a knee for various reasons; yet, one day every knee will bow and tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. It is a blessing to do that sooner rather than later. The recipe in life is simple. Dying to self and living in freedom with Christ. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to live in freedom and for everyone to be able to fall into the loving arms of the Father.
Fall
Fail. Run. Embrace.
What is failing in my life right now? Whom can I rely upon when everything else is falling apart?