I read it somewhere

I read it somewhere and it gave me thought. I don’t remember the exact quote from Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldridge, but my thoughts that followed I will share with you, now.

Just like Lazarus

My first thought was a look at my own spiritual journey. Before I understood the Gospel, I was dead entombed in the dark of spiritual death. Then, I hear his voice, “Douglas come forth.” The stench of sinfulness was less than that of Lazarus, possibly because I am a child, but it is still an unholy aroma.

I come hobbling into the Light outside the tomb. I am bound from head to toe in burial wraps. I do not fully understand the wonder of what just occurred. I cannot visualize as my face is covered with a cloth. I do not even fully recognize Jesus.

“Remove the grave clothes and let him go,” Jesus instructs my mentors. I sense some of their hesitation as some clumsily begin to unravel my burial garments. Others in their giddiness carelessly proceed with my hands and feet.

I anxiously try to free myself. At one point, with one hand free I try to remove the cloth from my face so I can see Jesus. I can feel him watching, but it seems he is sighing or crying.

My efforts to free myself has made things worse and slows the process. “I want to be free, please,” I cry.

I see Jesus more clearly

I hear Jesus offering careful instructions which some of those unraveling me do not either hear or ignore or maybe just misunderstand.

Finally, with the help of a gentle Spirit, I see Jesus more clearly. Although my eyes are still adjusting from the blindness of the cloth to the brightness of the sun, I see Jesus. I realize he is speaking. His word is instructions but not just to my helpers, but to me also.

“Be patient and stop trying and listen to me,” Jesus does not shout, but his voice is strong. He is not angry or upset, but firm and confident.

Some of those who began helping to loosen my burial clothes are gone. Many of them because they are unable to follow his instructions. The few who are left patiently and carefully untangle the filthy rags until I’m free.

Changing me but not the world

But I find this new experience is changing me, but not the world around me. My neighbors treat me differently. Some have higher expectations of me and are disappointed even angry when I fail to meet those expectations. Some even hate me.

Jesus though stays in touch. His letters of encouragement give me hope and strength. I am learning that I can trust him to guide me even if my plans may be faulty.

I listen for his voice. I read and re-read his letters. His Spirit and my spirit are slowly and inconsistently becoming congruent. Inconsistent because there is still a little of the death stink on me and for some reason I am drawn to the tomb. I know he is always nearby and answers my every call for his help to resist Death’s temptation.

Believe

He has promised to return. I prepare with grateful anticipation. Please believe that your greatest longing comes by fully identifying with Jesus Christ.

Categories: Sample writing

Douglas Knight

I have the rich life full of a sinner wounded by misunderstanding and punishment but blessed by mercy and forgiveness.