Would that I could escape the sin of this world.
I would, but I can’t. It surrounds me, invites me, terrorizes me, and reminds me of everything that is wrong about this world. Read about it in the headlines, see it on the television, hear it in the Wal-Mart, wherever we live and move and have our being, sin is the order of the day. A blatant and firm reminder of exactly why Jesus and his cross are needed, not just 2000 years ago, but today.
Today.
My heart is a tangled-up, jumbled-up mess this morning. I went to bed a mess; woke up a mess all because of a single headline that has, yet again, gripped my emotions with all the fury and fuss of hell’s intention. A seven-year-old girl has fallen prey to the sadistic schemes of the enemy, brought about through the hands of her step-sister and several young men intent on satisfying their sinful lusts via her innocence. I’ll spare you the details. They’re enough to turn your stomach, and if you’re stomach remains upright and unturned by them, then your heart has grown cold, calloused and unmoved by the sin-sick condition of this world.
This isn’t my happy Easter post; friends. Would that it could be. This is my exactly-why-we-need-Easter post. It would be nice if Easter dresses and egg hunts were the focal point of my heart this day, but they aren’t. Instead, I’m thinking about the unsanitized version of Easter—the one that’s ugly, repugnant to the senses, and that steps all over our need to keep Easter lovely and between the lines of our religious décor. As Christians, we are sometimes tempted to skip over the fuss and fury of Friday’s hell in order to arrive at Sunday’s conclusion.
I understand. I’m a Sunday-conclusion kind of gal. It’s how I like to live my faith, in victory and full of the conquering truth of the resurrection. But to arrive there without taking ample pause to reflect on what our Jesus went through in order to allow us sweet victory, is to keep sin’s ugliness separated from grace’s beauty. And that simply cannot be done. They come as a package deal, sin and grace, grace and sin. Without one, there is no need for the other. Life could simply live as it lives with no consequences, no rules, no guidelines except the one that says, “If it feels good, do it and let the chips fall where they may.” Apparently what felt good for at least seven men this past Sunday was a seven-year-old girl, and the chips? Well, they’ve fallen on tender soil—the broken soil of a young life—the consequences of which will be staggering in the end.
We don’t live in a world free from sin and the need for grace therein. As Christians, we sometimes forget our need for grace; the world has certainly forgotten its need for grace, but God has never been neglectful with his remembrance. He knows what we need, even as he knew it 2000 years ago, even as he planned for it pre-Eden on the front side of Genesis.
It’s hard for me to think about God and the “all-knowing” part of his nature—if he saw this past Sunday coming, even from the very beginning, then why did he allow it? Why make her pay for the sins of others? Why should she (the least of the least) harbor the fullness of carnality when she didn’t ask for it? Someone should have loved her better, watched over her better, made sure her “better” was of paramount importance. But “better” she didn’t receive, and now she is left to mourn what’s been lost.
I don’t have perfect answers for my questions, but I serve a perfect God, and by faith, I’m choosing to believe in those answers. I may not receive them on this side of eternity, but if I didn’t believe they’d one day be available to me, then I’d given up on faith a long time ago. Why? Because my almost forty-four years have afforded me plenty of occasions for questions and for the sacred mystery attached to their answers. There are simply some wrestlings of the heart that exceed my understanding at this point. Perhaps with spiritual maturity, I’ll grow in my understanding, but for now, all I can do is concede truth to Jesus and to look toward Sunday.
For Sunday is coming.
Soon.
Resurrection is upon us, closer now than it has ever been.
A Sunday conclusion that reads sinless, sanitized, saved by grace and grace alone.
Grace for all, even them—those seven, Lord—the exact reason why you could not skip over the hell of Friday to get to the hallelujah of Sunday. Oh the depths of where you’ve been for me, for them, for her, for the world. I cannot explain that kind of love and grace. I can only receive it, and in turn, Lord, out of that receiving… give it.
Even to them.
This is the conquering truth of Sunday’s conclusion.
Forgiveness.
Not as the world gives, Father, but as you give.
Even so, make my heart a conduit of yours.
So be it.
Copyright © April 2010 – Elaine Olsen
Elaine, what you write is more powerful with each addition to your blog. I'm awed.
Rosalie
"I don’t have perfect answers for my questions, but I serve a perfect God, and by faith, I’m choosing to believe in those answers." That is the truth we all need to hang our hope on.
Elaine, you have the same questions that so many of us have. Things never seem fair or just in our eyes. But we must believe that God has a purpose and a reason for everything – even the horrible things. Praying that you will find peace where there seems to be none.
Happy Easter my dear friend! Can't wait to be with you in glory some day! Now how fun is THAT going to be!!!!
Hey Elaine:)
I was thinking this week too that this world is depraved and I would rather Jesus come back soon, very soon. But then I thought of those verses about whatever is praiseworthy, etc. think on these things…I've been deliberately trying to focus on some good lately. The heinous sin of our day is a stark reminder of original sin and the consequences on this world. It motivates me to be more bold in my witness, Him changing one life at a time. It makes me sick to my stomach too to learn of such things happening, but He will come back one day and make it all right! He is Holy, and there is no darkness in Him at all…I have to believe that
Blessings to you, Elaine:):)
katiegfromtennessee
Wonderful post sister…HE IS OUR PEACE. (Ephesians 2:14) His grace is beyond description and we are blessed by His love beyond all understanding. May your Easter be filled to the full with His Presence!
In Him,
Cherie
Elaine, all I can do is cry out to my LORD…. His grace covers me. I love your statement about being a conduit. Praise HIS Holy Name!
Elaine, like so many others, I've been reading the Easter story from the Word the past few days, and just today it struck me — again — all that He chose to go through for us… for me… You're right — we need to live that Friday again to fully appreciate that glorious Sunday. How I thank Him for His love!
Looks like God had the same idea – we have the same post. I was compelled to post this today too – as we must never 'skip over Friday's Fury' as you so perfectly stated it!
May we know how DEEP the Father's love reaches!
Choosing JOY, Stephanie
JESUS ONLY in 2010
It took me forever to get through this post today. I just kept reading it over and over. I am still trying to collect my thoughts and compile them into a conclusion but it won't come. All I can say is that what you wrote, "but for now, all I can do is concede truth to Jesus and to look toward Sunday." pretty much settles a portion of my heart as well. and, knowing the devotional that I found and shared on my post today makes even more sense to me now!
i think i understand less as i get older!
but know that's not really true. i just
think i KNOW fewer things.
another wonderful teaching!
"Grace for all, even them—those seven, Lord—the exact reason why you could not skip over the hell of Friday to get to the hallelujah of Sunday"…
The whole post spoke to me Elaine. This line jumped out. I've always felt such a sadness during these days leading up to Easter Sunday morning. What He did on Friday I don't want to forget. Just as you said above, the hell that precedes the hallulujah. I wake up on Sunday morning with a sense of relief, every year, and joy.
Powerful words of sharing, straight to my heart.
Elaine, I don't like to watch re-enactments of the crucifixion. I don't want to see them.
But I find myself realizing that to ignore them is to do just what you've talked about here. Rushing past Friday to get to Sunday. Skipping over hell to get to heaven.
But Jesus didn't do that! He endured Friday so that we might be able to experience Sunday.
And so I watch the re-enactments, and I try to take in the love of our God – to get even an iota of a grasp of what He did for us. And although I know the end of the story, I cannot help but be broken over my sin which sent Him to the cross.
Thank You, Jesus. Thank You for Your amazing grace and love!
incredible. thank you for these perfect Easter thoughts.
have a blessed resurrection day!
I'm so glad you spared us the details. The information you did share about the little girl was enough to break my heart.
Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus…
Not even knowing the full story I'm sickened and appalled by the thought of a mere baby being used and abused! Sick! Makes me even more in awe of a God who loves and wants to forgive & save the wicked sinners who do these deeds!
One of my favorite Easter songs was written by a woman who lives in my general area of the state. Here are a few of it's powerful words
When the crowd says “Defeated!”
And the worlds says, “He’s gone”
And Satan thinks he’s conquered
This world as his own
At the cross it was finished
Death thought it was done
But the tomb STILL stands empty
And my soul says, “He won!”
And I say AMEN to that!
Marilyn…in Mississippi
"Would that I could escape the sin of this world.
I would, but I can’t. It surrounds me, invites me, terrorizes me, and reminds me of everything that is wrong about this world."
Elaine, I cannot fathom some news I just heard. Almost around the corner…at a HighSchool so nearby, an 18 year old stabbed at 16 year old to death…at 2:30pm in the afternoon, by a busy intersection, surrounded by people…over a girlfriend and $10.00. Is life that cheap and sin so common?
Too much to bear…
My heart holds so many other concerns right now…results of sin touching other lives and the effect spilling onto mine. Sin rarely affects just one…many lives are burned by it's blaze. Oh for the arrival of Sunday.
Because He Lives,
Joy
Grace for all: thank you, Lord
I am thankful He did NOT skip over Friday.
He's our GLORY of love and grace!
May you and your family experience a spirit-filled Easter.
You are blessed with a gift to express thoughts and feelings in such a profound way…at the end of each post, I always think, yes, that's exactly how I feel…but unable to articulate those thoughts…
Would love to hear you speak in person…but until then, your blog will suffice…keep on sharing what the Lord lays on your heart…it is such a blessing!
I don't think the word powerful does this post justice. You brought me to tears. May your Easter be filled with blessings!
Elaine,
I know this Sunday is not enough…but its has been sufficient. I am looking forward…to the day when there will be no more pain, death, mourning or crying. I look forward to that day…when the old order of things has passed away. Sunday is the beginning of our Christian Hope…towards that which is forever eternal and good!
Thank you Elaine. I will remember that little girl before the Lord.
Blessed Easter!
Gladwell
wifeforthejourney:
Thank you for reminding us all that the conclusion of Easter is what matters most.
Every day the Lord delays His return is one more day for the wicked to turn from their sins. Every day the Lord withholds His righteous judgement is another day to show His mercy. God's mercy should never be mistaken for weakness or lack of resolve on His part. Let all the earth tremble in fear over our sins and turn to Christ, lest we remain objects of His wrath.
This generation needs to hear that word, that each passing day brings us one day closer to Jesus!
~ Billy
That's really, really hard stuff to deal with….MY thoughts have been swamped with the suicide stories in national news. YOUNG people for whom life is not worth living (or else who are impulsive and unwilling/unable to think clearly about consequences, etc.).
These are all examples for what you say – "the 'exactly-why-we-need-Easter' post".
Because He lives, I CAN face tomorrow….because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future…Live IS worth the living just because He lives!"
I was sickened by that story in the news also. My heart breaks for her and the tens of thousands of little girls and boys around the world that are victimized every day.
I wonder often, "What is wrong with people?!"
I certainly have no other answer than to cry out to God, to pray, and try to make my little difference in the world.
I hope with enough drops in the ocean we can turn ripples into waves of help and compassion for the helpless.
Stopping by to wish you a beautiful Easter weekend. I love your ministry.
🙂
Continue to pen HIS heart.
Love and hugs!
I stand with you, and the others as tears grip both my heart & my eyes. Your theme is a constant with me, especially where the rise in violent crime against children – the most vulnerable among us – is concerned.
If ever we needed a fearless Savior, it is now; One Who stands resolved in the face of nails, and that mocks the very grave that thought it had claimed Him.
Blessings & peace this Easter, Elaine; and always.
Kathleen
What a blessing it is to find your blog!
My husband is a graduate of Asbury and feels that Wilmore is his hometown. I am also so blessed to read what you left as a comment on another blog (which is where I found you!). I relate to you in what you have written in regards o your past and how the LORD has worked in your life.
May God bless you!
Gina
Elaine,
Sonja comment above says it perfectly for me.
As I read your message my heart moaned, "Come Lord Jesus".
Peace for you and your family this and every day…
Plain and simple.
My heart is breaking for that seven-year-old baby girl.
And so is His.
So is His.
Abba, hold this baby girl. Hold her tenderly and gently. Heal all of her hurt. Begin her healing this moment and don't let go of her ever. In Jesus' name.
Love you, friend.
Sweet dreams.
sin is ugly. very ugly.
Thank you Jesus being nailed to a cross for us. We haven't always understood why you needed to do that. But one day our eyes were opened to who you were. We glanced at ourselves in the mirror. We knew why we needed you. Our sin was ugly. Glaringly ugly. Thank you Jesus for Easter and Elaine, your doorkeeper. B
Elaine, thank you for not treading lightly.
…if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
2 Timothy 2:13
Thank you, God… Fridays break my heart… but Sunday… Thank you for Sunday.
Elaine- this post left me weeping. Weeping for that little girl, those seven, and the ONE who sacrificed it all for every one of us. I don't know the answers either but like you I serve our PERFECT God. He is in control, He has a plan even if we don't fully understand it. HE is GOOD ALL OF THE TIME.
Blessings…