I remember meeting one of my family members for dinner a while back. Our meeting came after a two week long period of tension, so when we met it was kind of awkward. We had surface talk for the majority of the night and neither one of us knew how to break the ice to get to the main issue. Honestly, I wanted to talk more, but at the same time, I didn’t want to stir the pot. We truly had an issue.
I had to be patient in this time of conflict, which was hard. I could tell my family member's heart was still hard and hostile from our previous conflict. It’s funny how things changed when my family member saw that I was paying for the meal we just finished. When the waiter came and asked would there be two checks or one, I replied, “One. I got it bruh.” My family member changed instantly.
At that moment I noticed that my family member was super relaxed. Not sure if they were having financial issues or what the case was, but after my family member found out they didn’t have to pay for their meal a weight was instantly lifted from their shoulders. The whole atmosphere changed. My family member was ready to talk and enjoy the rest of our time; their whole posture changed. Funny how that happened.
What about us? What about those who by God’s grace have had their sin debt paid for? The Creator and Sustainer of the universe opens the lines for us to enjoy Him, and the way He does it is by paying the debt we owe Him. Shouldn’t that soften our hearts? Shouldn’t our cold heartedness and hostility we have towards God cease? Shouldn't the weight of sin and death be lifted from our shoulders in order for us to commune and enjoy God?
We should be full of joy and freely open for a relationship with God because of Jesus. He has paid the price. That means the conflict we had before the Cross is extinguished through the sinless life of Jesus, the death of Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus, and the ascension of Jesus. Now we are free to have a relationship with God without condemnation because of the finished work of Christ. This is freely given for all who turn from themselves and who will put their trust in Christ. God is fully pleased in Jesus, and we should be fully pleased and joyful to have all of Him. Amen.
For all who go to Him:
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Amen.