I’m not Catholic or Orthodox, and typically not a part of a church body that participates in Lent. However, as a personal practice, more years than not in the last 10 years, I have participated in Lent (in a personal manner).
Recent life events have left me with some questions and some heartbreaking thoughts that I know God will use this Lent season to teach and grow me.
Tonight, in that vein, I am participating in the 5 minute friday tradition (last week, I actually did my 5 minute Friday post on my Tiny house blog)…I know it’s Sunday, but unfortunately, I find myself late many weeks.
This week’s theme:
PURPOSE…
“You didn’t want heaven without us, so Jesus you brought heaven down”
-Hillsong ‘What a Beautiful Name’
This song has me wrecked recently, especially this line… He didn’t want heaven without us…
This goes with my reading tonight.
Tonight, I spent time in 2nd Peter.
He has a lot to say in the 2&3 chapters about evil days: false prophets & teachers, evil doers, fleshly desires, condemnation, and more… I won’t take the time to break it all down – honestly, it’s a lot.
But, I want to focus on one specific section:
“But, do not forget this one thing dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief…”
- 2 Peter 3:8-10
So, what’s this all about?
It’s about purpose.
And, that purpose? Redemption.
Recently, I’ve had to come face to face with my belief: sin, death, mortality.
Do I really believe some perish?
Unfortunately, I do. And, honestly, the question of someone’s eternity is HEARTBREAKING.
But, Jesus has been working in my heart – if it’s that heartbreaking for me, how much more heartbreaking is it for Him to have Creation reject Him?
So, what’s it all about?
Purpose – redemption. Human souls. Love.
He created a way – desiring that no one would perish, knowing some would anyway. Giving His people the knowledge, tools, and compassion to reach as many as possible, and then commissioning us to do so.
This is a tough, heartbreaking topic to write about. I hate the thought of spending eternity without some of the people I care about – even spending eternity without my “enemies”. But, the reality is, it’s likely to happen.
And, if it hurts so much for me – how much more for Him, after creating and offering restoration?
So, that leaves me – in the gap. Attempting to live out the great commission in my life. In the tension between here & now and eternity.
A part of the Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven, trying to be a light of love to as many people as I can.
So, what’s this all about?
Purpose – human souls. Love.
Redemption.
Author Candice Jenee’ 