Surely Not I | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Surely Not I | Previous Challenge Entry
By Elaine Hemingway
02/15/18
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I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8

What a burden Judas would have carried if he had chosen to live on.

As pilgrims on life’s journey perhaps many of us could relate to the progress of the legendary Christian in his dream as he traversed the path from the City of destruction, the world, to the Celestial city, Heaven on Mount Zion. Having read the Bible and become burdened by the knowledge of his sin, how could he find deliverance? Unable to persuade his family to join him, he set off on an expedition of discovery. There were many meetings with strangers as he travelled, with Evangelism pointing him towards the “Wicket Gate” but being waylaid and distracted by Obstinate and Pliable who tried to take him back home. Obstinate left him but Pliable accompanied him as far as the Slough of Despond which he managed to escape from. Christian ploughed on through the morass of temptations, doubts and fears until Help heard his cries and directed him further on his pilgrimage. Mr Worldly Wiseman, Mr Legality and his son Civility, in the village of Morality, were all further diversions calling for the return of Evangelism to give further directions.

Have you, like me, met such people, helping or hindering our journey?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Guilt about sin may become baggage to be carried but must be dealt with in order to continue our journey. Modern conditions and mindsets lead to compromise, one of Satan’s favourite tools, which in turn leads to the condoning of sinful behaviour, rather than the rocking of the boat by a challenge.

The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart… (Hebrews 4:12)

It is the Word that challenges, assures, comforts and confirms as we keep short accounts, confess and receive the righteousness of our Lord. I love the words of Paul in Romans 5 … since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ … Peace, yes, yet I wonder how Paul felt about the remaining baggage of consequences, for that is the baggage I sometimes carry.

Divorce is not the unforgivable sin, but it destroys so much in its hidden impacts. Periodically as a new aspect emerges I have to draw on the Word reminding me of the affirmation in Romans 8:1 There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus … I am forgiven but other lives have been affected and it is those lives that have a bearing on my baggage.

Murder is not unforgivable but the consequences remain. Slander, insults, lies and other such sins against others are all forgivable but the consequences are themselves in need of forgiveness, with the sufferers not always aware of the grace and mercy available.

The clock cannot be turned back but the baggage can be better balanced by taking refuge in Jesus. His yoke is bearable, shared and lightened by faith. Surely I am blessed that there is nothing hindering my journey to Mount Zion.

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