[untitled]
There's no specific subject for this post. Rather, my thoughts and emotions have been spiraling downward and I think I need to take a minute to try to preach to myself.
Because all Law and no Gospel makes Homer something something.
And my word, but I've been dwelling under the constant condemnation of the Law.
The Law is so good, though. It is God's will for all of life. It gives shape to our love and shows us what a good work is. It points us to love and service of the neighbor in our vocations.
So, where things are falling apart, or where problems exist, the Law is a good guide. I can't obey it perfectly, but it is where my aim ought to be. After all, just winging it and saying it doesn't matter if I do or don't because Jesus will forgive me either way is...well, Paul said, "God forbid!" to that!
But, Lord have mercy, it is a cruel taskmaster. And what do I do when I'm beaten down by it and beaten down by it...when to try harder is to fail, but to loosen my grip is to fail, too? It's not even the classic "pride or despair" pendulum; I'm not proud because I know I'm not pulling it off...it's just two different kinds of despair.
Satan is not wrong when he accuses. He's a liar, but this is an area where he doesn't have to be.
But even as I fail and fail and fail. Even when I sin and sin and sin - whether by doing what I ought not do, or ignoring those things that I should - his condemnation might be loud, but it's ultimately meaningless.
I am a baptized child of God. Christ Jesus put His own name on me, and that can never be undone. He has forgiven all of my sins, and He continues to do so, over and over.
Even if I ruin my marriage, destroy all of my friendships, alienate my kids, fail in my role as housekeeper and teacher and cook...even if I fail to pray and study as I ought, or selfishly neglect all my vocations, devolving into a useless dead weight with my world falling apart...even then, His Word cannot fail. His love will not end. His hand will remain outstretched in forgiveness.
You - yes YOU - are forgiven. You are a beloved child of God. You are a sinner saved by grace alone; nothing you do can earn it, and nothing you do can annul it.
When you despair, when you are overwhelmed and all seems lost...look to Jesus. His life, death, and resurrection for you is the answer.
And yes, He did it FOR YOU.
And even when you fail at keeping your eyes on Him...He died for that sin, too.
-M