What is Sometimes Beyond Comprehension

There is a piece of scripture from the Prophet Isaiah that is truly amazing.  It is Isaiah chapter 43:1-4, and I really like the way The Message Bible states it:

But now, God’s Message,
the God who made you in the first place, Jacob,
the One who got you started, Israel:
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That’s how much you mean to me!
That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you.

Some translations title this particular piece of scripture “The Saviour of Israel”.  However, The Message uses a really cool title for it, and it is “When You’re Between a Rock and a Hard Place”.  Yeah, I really, really like that.  Some folks do not like The Message Bible, but more times than not it just really brings things across a lot better.

This particular scripture can sometimes be so incomprehensible for even the most seasoned of believers at times.  Can you even imagine what it must be like trying to tell someone who has committed crimes (and some very heinous) that Jesus loves them?  That their sins are forgiven, wiped clean?  Or maybe someone who is feeling that their life is absolutely worthless, that in fact their worth is immeasurable?  That yes, their life has been bought and paid for by a “currency” if you will, that is not of this world?

I don’t have the exact statistic folks, but in all reality the actual raw number doesn’t matter.  The lions share of the clients we deal with are unable to comprehend that there is one thing, one person, that could love them like no other.  I mean, let’s be honest here; it is hard to really actually believe that something we cannot see loves us that much.  Which one of you would ever give your child up as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of an entire planet?  It is truly hard to wrap one’s head around, right?  And some of us, have never, ever, done a truly despicable thing wrong.  Yes folks, as few in number they may be, there are some out there.

Now think of this situation.  You are in a room alone.  With someone who has taken another person’s life perhaps.  And you are telling that person, that you know someone who believes they are the apple of His eye.  Their going to laugh you out the door almost, guaranteed.  I’ve sat there and said those words.  But people, He does!  If you read your scripture closely, you will see it too.  Much of the time, we parse it over looking for something we can apply to ourselves, over-looking the meat of the matter.  God yearns for the broken of His world.  He calls them into His courts so that he can restore them.  Churches are full of those who “have it all together”, or so it seems.  And I am not stating that to be critical, honestly.  He longs to show those who may have never known true parental love, what is like to have unconditional love.  Just like in the scripture above.  Just like God had done for Israel.  It was the prize, the gem, the promised land.

These people, criminals and no-goods that most of society labels them as, are His chosen.  They are in fact, some of the most perfect potters clay.  He can take His time, love, and care, and sculpt and mold them into masterpieces.  Just like how He created the earth, by blowing into the dust, and look at what He formed.  Folks, he cannot do it alone.  That is why He sent his son, Jesus to this world.  And, exactly why He needs us; His earthen vessels.  We are needed to go into the darkest of places, to carry the redemptive message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  But it all starts by showing care and love, we need to meet them where they are.  For some it is an easy road to begin to go down, and for others it may be the hardest thing they ever do.  The wider gate most times is not the right one to kick open.  However, all you have to do is read Luke 15.  There are three parables that describe value for something that is hard to imagine.  But God is busy preparing the banquet tables for the feasts awaiting those we serve and minister to.  When they lay it all down…..all the bondage and brokeness, all the hurt and pain.  So much can happen in a life that throws people off the charts.  Yet, when they take up their cross daily and follow Him and His ways, it is time for filet mignon instead of blade steak, fine china instead of paper plates, the finest stemware instead of red solo cups. Again, His value system is not of this world, and He shows it many times through out His word.  The broken and down trodden are just as important if not more, than you…….or me.  As the word says in 1Timothy 1:15 (and just as he did in my own life, this is how I felt and still feel) “Here’s a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I’m proof—Public Sinner Number One” The Message.  He wants the prodigals home people.  And, it is our duty, to help recover the lost sheep and guide the way.  After all, He paid a debt He didn’t owe, and WE owe a debt we will never be able to repay.  And that friends, is fact.