The purpose of Christ’s redeeming work was to make it possible for bad men to become good—deeply, radically, and finally.
~A. W. Tozer (1897-1963)
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
~ Matthew 18:10-14
i missed it until today.
Oh, His great and intimate Love are mine. He has redeemed me from a deep pit. And for this i am so thankful. Near-on a thousand pages of trying to put this into words has only left me breathlessly thankful, and with a deeper desire to know and experience Him more every day.
His Spirit has brought me comfort beyond my wildest dreams, and joy and peace beyond any ability to describe. All along the way though, as He has restored my life (even in ways that i could never imagine possible – so fast – and so definitively), i have had the nagging sense that this is some sort of “restoration under discipline.” i even have resorted, at moments, to referring to Deity as Sir. For surely, Sir He is. All glory, honor, and power to the only One worthy of our praise and respect and even fear.
He has even named me His friend, one of His men, and even a buddy in our best moments. Even in this place, though, i have kind of felt like i was just the one black sheep restored to a position in the flock… put gently and kindly back into the pen to live among the other sheep… Simply (albeit gloriously) restored.
So, near around a reading of Matthew 18 this morning, He says clearly. “Stop calling me Sir, my beloved.” And basically goes on to explain that we are friends. i am my Beloved’s, and He is mine. Period.
Here’s the point. G_d is throwing an epic, joyous party over the truth of my (and your!) return to Him! He is overtly joyous over those saved and walking with Him – but He is off-the-charts just-plain jacked in light of the fact that fools like me (and you!) are in from the storm.
So, might this writer suggest a more fitting form of address to our Blessed Savior as we boldly approach the Throne of Grace to obtain the great gobs of Mercy we desperately need from Him every day?
Beloved.
No, this is not informal or casual or cavalier. This is recognition of the intimacy He has brought us into with Himself. Gaze upon His beauty friends. Drink Him in tonight. And as you worship Him – KNOW you are worshiping One who is Lovely and right here with us. Love your Beloved tonight as He rejoices over you.
And in that unassailable atmosphere of rejoicing, trust in faith that you are home and loved and free and at peace with your Beloved.
