And this is the message of the Cross: The Word Became Flesh, and Dwelt Among us, That we would have life, and have it to the full. And yet the Resurrected Jesus suffers still. He weeps at the death and destruction of ruined lives, ruined cities, ruined nations, a ruined world. And while He is fully alive and in our midst, He is also pouring out Grace from the Cross. Our Lord lives not in linear time, but eternal time, and while we know that in Christ we have the Victory, we also share in His sorrow. I invite you to weep with us as we join the Suffering Servant among the devastation of our small, but densely populated island.
"But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the Love of God, waiting for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh" (Jude vs 20-23).
Questions of death always lead me to reflect on Life. My life, your life. I have a destiny, a purpose for which I was born, as do you, and as does every Haitian effected by the quakes. My destiny is to rescue people from living hell both this side and that side of eternity. And I am living that Destiny. There is no greater joy than to be in the smack-dab center of the Will of the Father for you. When you do exactly what you were created for, life blooms inside of you, and overflows as a wonderful fragrance of the Father's love for humankind. What are you doing with your life?
Tonight, I had a follow-up conversation with Francisco, my Haitian friend. His face looked haggard and his eyes were deep and sad. The reality of the tragedy is sinking in for many Haitians who work in Santo Domingo and continue to watch the news, but have no contact with their suffering families.
Francisco is convinced that it must be God's work to grab hold of his life. He understands that I cannot pass him my hope, my personal relationship with Jesus, or my salvation. He understands that this involves a deep commitment. "Ali,I know that this is very close to me," he said, thoughtfully repeating the same train of thought from last night. "But GOD has to grab me. I cannot decide to walk with God inside of me to later turn back and give up. If I say "yes," It has to be with ALL of my life and FOREVER, until the very end. I have to be strong to the end, without turning back. I will have to be an overcomer. So this is serious. And it is near to me. Very near. God will get me. I am open for God to get me."
These are the most encouraging conversations I have had with a seeker. He is truly one whose heart has been plowed and prepared for the seeds of Life. "Don't forget, Ali," Francisco continued, "Every plant needs watering. The more you tend a plant, the faster it grows. Don't forget."
Brothers and sisters, let us be faithful to Pray in the Holy Spirit and tend the plants growing around us. Let us be merciful to those who doubt and snatch from the fire those who are perishing. The times are short. Our days are numbered. I could be next...you could be next.
Let me ask you this: if you were to die in the next three seconds (the time it takes for your house to crush you and bury you alive), could you say that you lived your life, however short, to the fullest? Is there anything you would regret? Anything that is hindering you? Is Anything that you need to clean out of your life right now, so that you can realize YOUR TRUE DESTINY?
Peter, the transformed fisherman, cried out urgently to a dying generation: "Repent, therefore, and TURN AGAIN, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of Refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus..." (Acts 3:19, ESV).
Are you being refreshed by the Lord? Are you satisfied with your life today?
Tomorrow may be too late to change. Eternity starts now.
Think on these things.
allison
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