Friday, May 12, 2006
Meditation
John 14:1-6
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. (John 14:1-2)
What a comforting statement! Even more comforting is knowing that Jesus said these words just after he predicted that Peter would deny even knowing him. Imagine the mercy involved here: Jesus promised a place for Peter, even though he knew full well how far this disciple would fall. But that’s always God’s way. He always holds out hope. He always provides a way out. He never abandons us. Don’t you find it amazing that God doesn’t wait for us to become worthy of his love? He knows we fall short—he even knows how we will fall short in the future—and yet he never stops loving us or offering us forgiveness. All he asks is that we turn to him.
Consider Peter: He could have followed Judas into despair and self-destruction, but he chose instead to turn back to Jesus and let his heart be healed by God’s mercy. That’s why he was so transformed on the day of Pentecost. Gone was the man consumed by fear. In his place stood one who would brave arrest, imprisonment, even crucifixion just to spread the good news about Jesus.
Jesus wants none of us to be lost. He wants us all to inherit a dwelling place in his Father’s house. That’s why he didn’t say how many rooms there are. From the moment of his resurrection until the day he comes again, Jesus will continue pursuing us, holding out to us the promise of a transformed life if we would simply receive him. He knows that we will fail him at different points in our lives, but he also knows that his love has the power to draw us back to him over and over again.
Today, let the mercy of God transform your life into a work of art. Let him mold and sculpt you, even to repair the broken parts of your past. Along with all the great saints, you too can be changed from one degree of glory into another, until you enter the Father’s house filled with joy and gladness.
“Lord, bring your mercy. Fill me with your love so that I can know your promise. You are the only way, truth, and life. Come reveal yourself, Jesus, and have your way in my life.”
Acts 13:26-33; Psalm 2:6-11
Have a blessed weekend.
Ed
神聖な週末を持ちなさいエド・バッカー
