You know the old saying... in like a lion... out like a lamb?
Well... we woke up to a nice blanket of fresh snow this morning... and,
even though it doesn't look lion-like... it's still a far cry from spring flowers!
I started thinking about that "lion and the lamb" saying and couldn't help but
think about Jesus, who is both the strong triumphant Lion of Judah and God's
sacrificial Lamb... who died for our sins and and washed us white as snow.
While still pondering this mystery and miracle... I grabbed a pencil and
stepped out on the porch so as to share my thoughts with you in a fun way.
About half way through, I became aware that I was using the eraser end of
the pencil to etch this truth in the snow and it seemed almost profound in
the moment... because when we confess our sins and shortcomings to God,
He tells us that He not only makes us clean but He remembers our sin no
more. It's as if He erases them from our record and gives us a clean slate
and a new beginning.
To be honest, I've been carrying around some guilt and shame over something
I did't do several years ago that makes me really sad every time I think about
it. I had asked God to forgive me every time it came to mind, but it
continued to haunt me and I carried the shame like a ball and chain.
The Lord really spoke to my heart recently and said it's okay if I feel sad
about it because I truly missed the mark... but the quilt and shame I was
feeling was because, even though I'd asked Him to forgive me, I'd never given
myself the time to sit with Him and really receive His forgiveness and to truly
thank Him and praise Him for it. I had never allowed the Lord the opportunity
to truly cleanse my heart and mind... and set me free.
I can now say that I have... and it feels good to have a clear conscience
before the Lord. Oh yes... there have been other things He's brought to mind
since! And every day I'm so thankful for the Lion and the Lamb...who snows
His love and forgiveness into our hearts... on the 1st day of March and every
other day of the year as well!!
"How much more shall the blood of Christ,
who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God,
cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Hebrews 9:14
Heavenly Father... thank You so much for washing away our sins.
We're tired of carrying around dead works Lord...
things that only weigh us down and keep us from being a blessing to You.
Touch our hearts, like only You can...
to be able to receive Your forgiveness...
and set our hearts and minds free from guilt and shame...
for Your glory and praise
Amen!
