REDEMPTION LOST, REDEMPTION FOUND
So, there he lies within the ground
Eternity’s silence the only sound.
If brief resurrection he was allowed
Of redeemable things he’d likely think now.
Of countless choices borne of fear and hate
Of a crooked path never quite made straight.
But since he’s denied the chance to change
Irredeemable things are all that remains.
So here I stand pondering his fate
Knowing for him it is too late.
Too late for sorry, too late to forgive
Only up here do those things live.
And then I think, but not for me
Each breath gives choice, He’s helped me see.
Each day’s opportunity while still above ground
Is redemption lost, or redemption found.
Jeff Edwards
So, there he lies within the ground
Eternity’s silence the only sound.
If brief resurrection he was allowed
Of redeemable things he’d likely think now.
Of countless choices borne of fear and hate
Of a crooked path never quite made straight.
But since he’s denied the chance to change
Irredeemable things are all that remains.
So here I stand pondering his fate
Knowing for him it is too late.
Too late for sorry, too late to forgive
Only up here do those things live.
And then I think, but not for me
Each breath gives choice, He’s helped me see.
Each day’s opportunity while still above ground
Is redemption lost, or redemption found.
Jeff Edwards
THE MISSING R: REPENTANCE
Read Luke 23:32-43
The word used most consistently for repentance in the New Testament is the Greek word metanoia. Metanoia can be defined as “a transformative change of heart; a spiritual conversion.” It means not just a shift in one’s views or opinions, but a fundamental change in direction. Repentance means adopting a new mind-set; going beyond our ordinary ways of thinking, perceiving, and responding to life. Repentance involves turning ourselves in a new direction; away from ego and toward God, and acknowledging that we need only what He can give.
PRAYER
O God, your love truly will not let us go. Help us to seek, and receive with gratitude your costly forgiveness in Christ. Then, humbled and strengthened by your love, help us to seek forgiveness from those whom we have wounded or offended, knowing that our sins against one another are sins against you. We thank you that your love redeems and transforms us. Amen
Read Luke 23:32-43
The word used most consistently for repentance in the New Testament is the Greek word metanoia. Metanoia can be defined as “a transformative change of heart; a spiritual conversion.” It means not just a shift in one’s views or opinions, but a fundamental change in direction. Repentance means adopting a new mind-set; going beyond our ordinary ways of thinking, perceiving, and responding to life. Repentance involves turning ourselves in a new direction; away from ego and toward God, and acknowledging that we need only what He can give.
PRAYER
O God, your love truly will not let us go. Help us to seek, and receive with gratitude your costly forgiveness in Christ. Then, humbled and strengthened by your love, help us to seek forgiveness from those whom we have wounded or offended, knowing that our sins against one another are sins against you. We thank you that your love redeems and transforms us. Amen
Kaye White
No comments:
Post a Comment