The trees are already starting to change to their beautiful fall colors here in NW Iowa. I love to look at them and feel the gentle breeze that makes them seem to be dancing.
When I go for walks in the fall, I often feel a compulsion to pick up pretty leaves that have fallen to the ground. I choose the ones that are perfectly formed, with no flaws or bug holes, and a rich red or green or yellow or brown color.
Then, I find myself asking my Lord, “If I were a beautiful leaf, would you pick me up?”
The question is plaintive. I know I’m not in perfect shape. The devil has wreaked havoc on my life, so the original perfect creation of me is flawed. I don’t feel like I would appeal to an awesome, holy God.
But then, I hear Jesus speaking to me through his Holy Spirit in my heart: “Yes, I would pick you up. I have picked you up. You are my child and I love you. Besides, by my cross I have made you flawless. Your sin has been washed away by my blood. You are justified (made holy) in my sight and you are beautiful to me.”
Oh what joy these words bring!
Listen to a song that emphasizes this truth: The Cross Has Made You Flawless. (Just click Mercy Me’s song below or click on this URL or copy it into the address bar): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ7EyPTOltw
by Judith Vander Wege, Sept. 22, 2016
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