THE WAY, THE WHOLE WAY, NOTHING BUT THE WAY

Not all nations who describe themselves as a democracy maintain the essential forms that make true democracy possible:  an independent judiciary, a free press, the separation of administrative, legislative, and judicial branches, and free elections.An essential pillar of a true democracy is an independent justice system that makes possible The Rule of Law.  In all the courts of the USA and Canada, from local to national, justice requires the absolute truth.  The same pledge is mandatory for any and every witness:  “Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God.”  Half-truths don’t suffice.  In fact they are dangerous.  Embellishing the truth, adding irrelevant and/or fictional content, often distorts pure truth.  In pursuit of justice, protecting a high standard of truth is the court’s first obligation.

 The same may be said for The Way.  Jesus proclaimed in his Last Supper teaching to his disciples that he was their “Lord and teacher” (John 13:14).  Then he went on to announce to them -  “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”   In that one declaration he proclaimed his essence, the embodiment of God’s nature: Pure, Holy Love making possible The Way of a full salvation, The Truth of God’s love, and The Life of eternal fellowship of God with us and with each other.  He was declaring himself as The Way, The Whole Way, and Nothing But The Way.

Jesus by the Spirit is the way out of our disobedience and sin, the way to power over sin, the way to a life of obedient faith, the way to a complete cleansing from sin and growth in grace leading to the sanctified, Christ-like life of holiness, the way to an unimaginable life of service to the glory of God!  He is our all in all, our full salvation, our true vine within whom we abide as branches bearing much fruit (John 15:1-8).

All of this was for the purpose of our restoration and fulfillment to the vision of us that God had from the very beginning of creation.  All of this is Truth made possible by God’s grace through our steadfast, obedient faith.  It is not through cheap grace, but grace paid with a cost on the cross that calls for a response.  Jesus Christ is the Way, the whole Way, nothing but the Way to a destiny in Him that requires faith, brokenness, surrender, steadfast obedience, and an undivided heart given to service and glory to God.  What a undeserved blessing!  Thanks be to The Way!

Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.

        Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me 
And use me to your Glory!

HEALING BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

A broken relationship is a problem that faces everyone at some time.  We are fallen creatures.  We disappoint and are let down by others.  We betray and others are likewise unfaithful to us.  Trust and mistrust are difficult to juggle when the relationship becomes uncertain.  By the time it is clear that the relationship has gone on the rocks or over the cliff, the harm has been reciprocal.  The relationship crashes and one or more persons are wounded.  The hurt goes deep and lasts a long time, sometimes a lifetime.  Bitterness sets in and festers. Memories become painful and nagging.  The tape of wrong doing is played over and over.  Guilt or bitterness lingers and peace seems impossible.  Is peace and healing of the memories possible?

This is the question that must be asked if there is to be any change for the better.  Three Rs in rebuilding the relationship are necessary.  First is the difficult but essential act of Repentance for one’s part in the failure.  This is not just saying I’m sorry.  Regret may be real, but regret is not enough.  Repentance is saying I was headed in the wrong direction in the relationship.  I turn, change from the wrong way and pursue the right one.  It may be a 180 degree turn, but it is essential.  The old way must be surrendered. 

The second step is Reconciliation.  When two things or people are reconciled they are brought back together.  The relationship is restored to its former self before the break.  There is a renewal of the relationship as it was intended in the first place.  Things are set right between the two to each one’s benefit and satisfaction.  Peace once again reigns and healing is made possible.

The third step is a greater Restoration to righteousness.  Righteousness is right living.  The door of restoration is opened by reconciliation.  The potential originally possible from the relationship is now possible again.  The restoration of hope and progress is beyond what was realized before the break.  It is a restoration of actualizing something greater.  The healing and recovery is a process of perfecting the relationship, of growing together beyond what was possible in the past.

These three steps are difficult to take with others when we are harmed and hurting, when there has been unfaithfulness and good reason for loss of trust.  But for deep restoration, someone must act.  That’s exactly what Christ did for us on the cross.  He took the first step by taking on our sin so we might be reconciled to God and restored to our ultimate potential.  That is the restoration of the image of God in us,  to be like him in holiness and purity of heart.  It is a process of repentance, reconciliation, and restoration to righteousness, then being perfected by the Holy Spirit more and more each day.

THE GLORY OF THE LORD IS ALL AROUND

The earth is warming up in the northern hemisphere.  Spring is on its way.  The occasional blast of cold from the north and the last blow of winter snow cannot stop the inevitable arrival of spring.  In Kentucky the trees are starting to bloom.  Birds each morning sing boldly. It is as though their diverse melodies together lift the sun into the sky to greet each new day.  Neighbors emerge from their winter strongholds and renew their friendships while walking the dog or jogging to shed the ounces accumulated over the winter.  The planning begins for the backyard garden and the placement of flowers that embellish the curb appeal of each home.  An air of anticipation and hope “springs eternal.”  The calendar moves forward day by day toward the great celebration of the Resurrection.

Isaiah 61:11 seems to fit this time of year reminding us of God’s heart which longs to see His love bloom in all its intended fullness, in holiness and righteousness:

            For as the earth brings forth its bud,

 As the garden causes things that are sown in it to spring forth,

So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth

Before all the nations.

Here in Kentucky, the snow has melted.  The rolling hills of grass are a soft yellow with very light shades of green.  Each day the fields are greener where newborn foals frolic in the comforting presence of their mothers.  Slowly the pastures of the horse farms are transformed and restored to a glorious state of distinctive beauty.  The trees, stark in their postures over the winter, are blooming with promise of a lush green fullness that complements the pastures.  All about is a testimony.  Our God reigns.  He is in the business of restoration.  His plan of transformation unfolds.  The glory of the Lord is all around.