This morning has been about reflection for me. I’m sitting at my desk, biting down on my gauze (I had a tooth pulled this morning). Concentration is not there for study, so I’ve been reflecting on the last few weeks. I’ve buried three people I loved. Three people I’ve known for varying degrees of time. One, as far back as I have memories, one for 40 plus of my 60 years and one for just the last 17 years. Two of them passed after years of struggle, the other suddenly and unexpectedly. All knew the Lord and I’m confident they are far better off in glory. Their passing leaves a void. Each hurts. Each causes me to be angry with sin and death. Each a painful reminder that sin brings death. Yet, each reminding me of the hope of eternal life through the life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
I’m reflecting on all this amidst angry voices calling for “justice” in this life. I know what they mean by “justice.” They want to see an end to injustice. They want a level playing field. They want equal treatment under the law. It’s a worthy goal and we all want to see justice in that sense. But ultimately it is not justice that any of us really want. Justice means to get what you deserve. I don’t want justice. I want mercy. I desire grace. I want these things because I know myself to be a sinner fully deserving the wrath of a holy God. Justice would demand my death, my eternal death. Grace and mercy offer forgiveness, love and relationship with a holy God because of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus who willingly gave his life in payment for my sin. By the grace of God, I am made right with God. I am at peace with God and therefore I know the peace of God. Through grace and mercy, I am granted life eternal and abundant. Such life makes a difference now and forever. That life compels me to speak against injustice in this life. It demands that I seek to treat all people with dignity and respect. It demands I confess my sins and my failings as I strive to live righteously. But achieving justice in this life, without the lasting peace of eternal life through the gospel, is of little value. Thankfully, it is not a matter of choosing one or the other. The gospel speaks both to life eternal and life now.
My point is, the gospel offers me hope on both these issues. The pain and heartache of the loss of those I love and pain and heartache of life in this fallen, sin-cursed world. Regardless of the source of my heart-ache, I will glory in my Redeemer and find comfort in the gospel.
That’s what’s on my mind this morning. I hope to see you Sunday!
Rod