Daily Light - March 30, 2011

Daily Light from the Lighthouse

"And such were some of you."

1 Corinthians 6:11

He stood there with his head bowed in prayer, but his mind was racing over what was happening. He could even feel his heartbeat so clearly against the walls of his chest that he wondered if those around him could hear it. What was supposed to be a moment of prayer had turned into this strange and awkward event! No one else seemed to notice but how could they not, or was it just him?

A group of brothers in Christ had gathered together for a time of devotion and encouragement. It was refreshing to see so many Christian men gathered together to lift up the name of Jesus and encourage one another in the Word. The Spirit of God was truly felt. Men shared their hearts, minds, and emotions with one another. Scripture was read and God was the main character displayed for all to see. It seemed that nothing could interrupt this moment of spiritual bliss, but then it happened.

One of the brothers began to share his testimony and how he had received the love, grace, and forgiveness of God. Somewhere during the time of his sharing he dropped a bombshell. He had spent years in a state penitentiary for murder! He had been so calloused and cold-hearted at some point that in a moment of rage he took someone else's life. This was unbelievable news, especially for the man sitting next to him. He suddenly felt uneasy and that was all that he could think of the rest of the Bible study. He couldn't wait for it to end, so he could get away from not only this man but the feelings that he had.

Finally, the devotion comes to an end, and every one reached for the hand of the man next to him so that they could pray together. The next thing he knew he was holding hands with a murderer. He thought back of the time that he was praying with a new member of the church and heard the man confess that he had once been convicted of abusing children. That same feeling came over him now. How had he gotten into this situation, and how could he get out of it? He has held hands and prayed with a child abuser and now a murderer. This is horrific!

Then, God spoke to his heart and said, "Who are they holding hands with?"

What title would be on all of our heads if it were not for the grace of God? Paul continued in the text above by saying, "But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."

May you praise God for His grace today!