A few weeks ago, the Shenandoah Valley experienced an unusual combination of very high winds and dry conditions sparking fires all across the area. Thankfully no one died, but several families both in Page and Shenandoah counties lost their homes that day to the aggressive flames. First responders worked overtime to address the multi-pronged regional disaster. Thanks to all who helped and are still helping those left homeless.
Besides the well-publicized structure and woodland fires, there were many smaller stories of how different individuals and families had their own problematic situations. Although we are very thankful not to have lost our home or to have sustained any long term damage, we did lose some ridge shingles and a piece of debris punched a hole in our roof.
One of the micro stories that I became aware of was of a lady in our congregation whose experience is a modern parable of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. As she took her dog, Ellie, out that afternoon to go potty, the rambunctious wind caught the screen door and slammed it into the house. When it did, the commotion frightened the aging pooch who took off like a rifle bullet.
In Ellie’s wild attempt to escape her perceived danger, she jumped a fence heading to the next lot. Only she didn’t quite make it. Ellie’s back feet got caught in the top of the fence and left her hanging there upside down yelping for help.
As Ellie’s owner arrived to free her, Ellie was still a bit excited. While her human worked diligently and efficiently to liberate her, Ellie turned on her master and bit both her hands requiring a trip to the emergency room, antibiotics, a needle and sutures. Thankfully, both Ellie and her owner have fully recovered with no lasting damage to their bodies or their relationship.
This is a vivid depiction of what happened between God and man with a few key differences. We were running full speed away from our Creator and Master. Although our fear of sin’s consequences motivated our haste, that was caused by our own selfish pride and ambition as we were determined to escape His dominion and live on our own terms.
As we attempted to escape His influence and achieve what we thought would be true freedom, we tried to clear His protective barrier of laws and commands. Tragically, we didn’t quite make it either. We became hopelessly entangled experiencing great pain in the process. As we thrashed around to free ourselves through good deeds, man-centered religion, and other human schemes, our predicament only got worse. Our disobedient struggles resulted in further entanglement and greater pain.
Thankfully, our Master came to help us. But as He taught, healed, and loved us, we snapped at Him. Instead of welcoming His assistance and cooperating with Him, we fought against Him with all we had. Not only did we put holes in both His hands, we drove nails through His feet as well as we hung Him on a tree of torture and death. We whipped and pierced and ridiculed and crucified our Master. He died setting us free.
Unlike terrified Ellie, we knew full well what we were doing and did it anyway with no mercy or remorse. Even this did not cause Him to respond in hatred or anger. Instead, in love and grace, He forgave us as we were hurting Him.
Thankfully, our Master had power that Ellie’s didn’t. He not only endured His crucifixion, He turned it into glory as He rose from the dead and then offered that same resurrection power to all His rebellious creatures who would and will receive it!
If her master had never come, Ellie would have eventually perished there. And if Jesus had never come, so would we! If you’re still entangled in sin’s fence, invite and allow Jesus to free you and if you have been freed, thank Him for it! Blessings, George