Annie
Scriptures
Psalm 18:19
Luke 13:22-30
Luke 15
The prisoner stood in the dock, head bowed, hands folded, listening to the words spoken through broken tears. The Judge had called for victim impact statements, and, one by one, they were read out. Roll after roll, the details of how this one person’s unthinking, uncaring, selfish deeds had touched and damaged the lives of so many were laid bare. The ceaseless ticking of the clock sounded through these stories of hurt, of pain, of loss. Tick tock, on and on, as the words echoed in the courtroom. Then the silence, the heavy, thick silence of guilt filled the room. There could be no excuses, there was no longer anywhere to hide, no corner too dark or barrier too wide to stop the eyes of the Judge penetrating deep into the prisoner’s heart. It was too late.
A voice, one lone voice, then spoke. “The sentence has been paid. Will you accept this gift? Will you, are you brave enough to, leave behind this life you have been living? If you believe that this has been done for you, for no other reason than I delight to give you freedom and new life IN Me, then answer now, turn around and walk with Me.”
It would be a fool who would turn down this offer, wouldn’t it? A fool, indeed an arrogant fool who cares not one jot for any life outside of their own greed filled, hedonistic way of living. A shameless fool who cares for no-one and nothing but their right to do whatever they wish, no matter the cost or pain to others. And there is a cost, a sentence that must be paid, no matter how much their deluded sense of power and control may think otherwise.
So with defiant eyes and a heart of stone, the prisoner rejects that one, perfect offer of freedom. Then the gates of hell open before them and the reality of their eternal sentence bursts upon their consciousness. Kicking and screaming they are sucked into the vortex of everlasting darkness and solitude, a void where no compassion lies, where thirst burns their tongue with a fire that can never be quenched.
Once again, the dock is occupied, yet another prisoner’s life exposed and deeds read out. Cries of anguish and desperation fill the courtroom. “Sir, if there is a way, help me, lift me out of this pit of self centred pride that has made me live this cruel life. I have lived a life that has no reward other than hunger for more degradation, more grasping, fleeting euphoria. I have wasted so much, hurt so many and yet I am still empty, still unsatisfied. I long for true peace, for an assurance that I can change this parody of life that I have been living. I beg you, if there is a way, show me what to do.”
There, in an instant, appears a shaft of Light so bright that it extinguishes every shadow, every speck of guilt and shame. In the centre of the room, the prisoner sees a blood stained cross, and standing before it, the One who has paid the sentence, willingly, selflessly paid it all. Wounded hands are held out, outstretched arms enfold them and with words, so tender yet blasting with eternal power and majesty, they are welcomed home.
LET ME WALK WITH YOU
In the valley, where shadows mask the path, Where the way is overgrown with thorns that hinder, Potholes and deep ruts that cause me to stumble, I hear the gentle tones, tender and yet so strong “Let Me walk with you”
In the darkness, where tears drench my bed, Where fear and dread cause my thoughts to take flight, Guilt and memories of past mistakes drown my soul, I hear the gentle tones, tender and yet so strong “Let Me walk with you”
In the noise and clamour of this busy life Where time speeds past and eats up the days. Surrounded by crowds, yet so alone and weary I hear the gentle tones, tender and yet so strong “Let Me walk with you”
So, I turn to the One whose voice, like soothing balm Stills my heart, comforts my racing, jangled mind, And I take the nail scarred hand, held out to me Knowing that, wherever I may find myself, I will always hear “Let Me walk with you”
Jesus, my Saviour, my Friend, my Strength, Grant that I will always take the Hand stretched out to me And look into those loving, soul piercing Eyes, As, in humble adoration and thanks, I reply “Yes, Lord, please, walk with me.”
Prayer: Father God, may we know the joy of repentance as we turn to You, leaving our old life behind and walking, in humility and thankfulness, with You, as all of heaven rejoices. Amen
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