Greetings in the name that carries the authority of God, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! What a beautiful morning in the Kingdom. The sunshine has a way of accentuating the fall colours. I trust that you had a great weekend and were able to enjoy all that God surprised you with. This week, first one of a new month, holds adventures and opportunities that will give many smiles and ‘thank yous’ to God…as always make a list so you don’t forget. Today I will be praying for you, asking Father to open your eyes to see things that you have been missing.
We were in Bible study and watching a video teaching filmed on location in Jerusalem. In particular the location was the tomb of Lazarus…or at least, the temporary tomb of Lazarus. It was interesting to see and I noted the signage and the garden spots with flowers and the lighting…all of which, I am sure were not there when the events took place. I thought to myself how strange it is to see attention drawn to what had kept someone, Lazarus, from life. There were no remembrances there that Lazarus went on to live another 30 or so years, ending his life -if tradition is right-somewhere in Europe. In my mind I heard the words of Charles Wesley in his hymn – “And can it be” …Long my imprisoned spirit lay-Fast bound in sin and nature’s night-Thine eye diffused a quickening ray-I woke; the dungeon flamed with light-My chains fell off, my heart was free-I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
There was no mention about how the characteristics of the dungeon cell…it was about the beauty of the freedom, the decision to follow, the absence of condemnation, and the aliveness that he experienced. As I pondered what God was trying to tell me, I was challenged. The scars and memories of the past are supposed to be left behind with the stark reality of what they were. I am not to put some signs up, plant some flowers, put up lights or build a little bench so I can be comfortable visiting my old ‘dungeon cell’. It was as if God was asking me what was more important and beneficial to me: lounging in the past or living in the luxury of my present – polishing the chains that once held me back or dusting the wings of my freedom? Oh…I think you know the answer to those questions.
“The thief comes to only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 NIV. That was one of the concluding verses in our Bible study and I found myself interpreting that verse according to what was going on in my thoughts. The thief wants to take me back to the chains of he past as he steals my freedom…he wants to kill my dreams, purposes, and desires so that I fall into despair and depression…he wants to destroy the renewed vision of my value and worth in God’s sight. All the enemy has to do is keep me locked in the past so I won’t realize and enjoy and exercise my liberty in Christ. But God says to pay attention to the present because it is a taste of what He has in store.
May your dungeon flame with light today…be blessed!