Two sacrifices

Good Wednesday morning, my friends.

Sometimes I feel my life as a Christian is bi-polar.  On the one hand I want to live for Christ, honouring Him with every part of my life.  On the other hand, I fail to do so on a daily basis.  Whether it be with an unkind word to someone in my family or at work; selfishness in not sharing the amazing bounty He has given to me for that purpose; or just outright sinful behaviour - it is, without a doubt, very difficult to stay on the straight and narrow path.  (I notice though that the path is "straight and narrow" - it doesn't say anything about it being flat.  There are still hills and valleys (mountains and gorges?) to travel.) 

It is certainly frustrating to struggle with these two extremes.  Sometimes are more difficult that others, of course, but God ALWAYS "restores my soul" as the 23rd Psalm says.  And because of this I grow more and more confident that even in the midst of these struggles with my "sinful nature" that God will rescue me.  I pray that you recognize this as well.

The prayer below captures that bi-polar conundrum in a very interesting way.  In the days leading up to His crucifixion, Jesus had interactions with two very interesting people: the woman who anointed him with oil, and Judas who betrayed Him.  We may not always recognize it, but we regularly play both parts in our lives.

Grace and peace to you be multiplied,

Bruce

From the beginning 

you knew the final outcome 

watched as the jigsaw pieces 

were slotted into place 

saw the significance of every moment. 

As your body was anointed with oil 

at the table of Simon the Leper

the picture was becoming clearer 

not only in your eyes

but to an unknown woman 

and one of your closest friends. 

Judas sensed that this was his moment 

sacrificing trust 

that had been so freely given 

on the altar of selfish gain 

for his fifteen allotted minutes of fame 

and thirty pieces of silver.

The woman recognised the moment. 

She gave generously

unselfishly 

a costly gift, freely offered.

A fragrant sacrifice of perfume and love 

remembered forever in your heart.

And as Judas slipped away unnoticed 

your disciples saw none of this 

failed to see the significance of the moment.

Two sacrifices, one of trust 

and one of love. 

But you noticed, Lord 

as you notice each day 

our sacrificial offering 

and betrayal

(http://www.faithandworship.com/prayers_Easter.htm)

Bruce MacPherson  macpherson@celtic.ca / Blog: The Celtic Christian / Home: 613.489.4174 Cell: 613.720.0821 You are receiving this email because you have requested it or I felt you would be interested in this material. If you would like to be removed from this email list, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above email address.  Likewise, if you know of someone else who you believe would appreciate receiving these messages, please let me know.