I just finished reading
three books by Eric Metaxas. The first, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, on the life
of Deitrich Bonhoeffer ought to be required reading of every serious disciple
of Jesus. His absolute commitment to
living out a life that reflected the character and calling of Jesus is as
convicting as anything I’ve read in the last 20 years. Next came Amazing Grace, the story of
William Wilberforce’s battle to end the slave trade 200 years ago in
England. Then lastly Seven Men and
the Secret of Their Greatness. Two
of the seven were covered in the other two books, but the scope of the seven
men is astounding—from politicians (George Washington) to sports figures (Jackie
Robinson), Metaxas shows the character qualities that made these men truly
great figures. I want my grandsons to
read these books—these are character qualities that have largely been lost in
our 21st Century culture, for which we are paying a very dear price.
I have been doing a lot of reflection these past few
weeks as I have faced a health crisis that the doctors basically have given up
on. (No, that is a good thing! Now any improvement and the renewed health I
believe God is going to give me can be credited to the right Source.) During these reflections, things have come
more clearly into focus than ever before.
What is important, what needs immediate attention, what can be
eliminated. Here is my short list:
What is important:
My relationship with God. My
relationships with my family. My
relationships with other people.
Relationships! That is what real
life is all about. We have had some
wonderful, intense times with our family these last few weeks and I treasure
every moment with these amazing children of God who are living out His call on
their lives. Nothing gives me greater
pleasure or joy.
Now every moment I have to speak to a neighbor is
precious. I pray every word will find
fertile soil and that they will see Jesus in me.
And my relationship with God. I can’t say it has changed a whole lot. I have been in the practice for more than 40
years of spending quality quiet time with Abba in the early morning which
includes large doses of His Word, prayer, listening for His voice. That hasn’t changed. What has changed is the depth of the love I
feel from Him. The intimacy with Abba
Father, and with my big brother Jesus, and with the indwelling Presence of Holy
Spirit—all have taken on a new intimacy.
Just this week He revealed a facet of His love for me that was so
overwhelming that it literally took my breath away and I have been basking in
the glow of that insight ever since.
Maybe one day I will feel at liberty to share it here—but for now it is
something I must treasure and meditate on.
I would urge you, my friend, to take time to cultivate
your relationship with Abba Father. Don’t
wait for a life-threatening illness to get your attention. He is waiting there wanting that depth of
friendship with you that will take you beyond the limits you have placed on
your relationship with Him. You won’t be
disappointed. If you seek Him with all
your heart, you will find Him.
No comments:
Post a Comment