Set A Fire Down In My Soul

“In Eden, they were not ashamed; they lived in the oceanic moment, without memory or expectation. Then came the vibrations of self-consciousness, the crosscurrents of past and future.”

Clearing by Martha Postlewaite

Jesus was made like us in every way except one: He did not sin. Sin downgrades and defaces our humanity—so Jesus not sinning makes him more human, not less. Jesus is true humanity.

We are all looking for an immortal diamond: something utterly reliable, something loyal and true, something we can always depend on, something unforgettable and shining. 

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:9-11(ESV) Lord Jesus, how can it be? How is it possible that you love us just like the Father loves you—to the same degree, with the same delight? We believe, help our unbelief, Lord. Indeed, as a halibut lives in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, an eagle soars the breadth of the Montana skyline, and a salmon travels the length of the Fraser River, so shall we seek to live in, linger, and explore the wonders and endless supply of your love. You must help us. Because you perfectly fulfilled the law for us, God’s commands are no longer a burden to us (1 John 5:3). By them we understand how to love as you love us; how to live at the pace of grace, instead of at the race for more; and how to steward our freedom, instead of squandering our moments. Hallelujah, we’re not under the weight and condemnation of the law. We’re rooted in love and standing in grace; righteous in you and sealed for heaven. We’ve been set free from performance-based living, for a life of whole-heart loving. Take us farther up and farther into the ways and means of grace, Jesus. May your Word, and everything it teaches us, increasingly become more precious to us than fine gold, and sweeter than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb (Ps. 19:10). For the Scriptures warn us of the insanity of sin, and woo us unto a life of true freedom and joy (Ps. 19:7-13). May the pleasure we find in obeying you be second only to the pleasure we have in being loved by you. As we lean into the demands, surprises, and pains of this day, we find great peace knowing you are praying for the fullness of our joy. Thank you, Lord Jesus. So very Amen we pray, in your magnificent and merciful name.

This is what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called cheap grace—dependance on a cosmic cloak with nothing of form beneath it: “Forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline. Communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ.” When I make the gospel simply about grace and not about the specific work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I have cheapened the work. It becomes another form of godlessness. All about me, my performance, and an automatic pass regardless.

...mercy is a cloak that will wrap around you and protect you; it can block the terror, the dark and most terrifying aspects of your own true self. It is soft, has lots of folds, and enfolds you. It can help you rest and breathe again for the time being, which is all we ever have.