Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.
30  Just as you who were at one time disobedient
to God have now received mercy as a result of
their disobedience, 31 so they too have now
become disobedient in order that they too may
now[a] receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy
to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to
disobedience so that he may have mercy on them
all.
(Romans 11: 29-32)  NIV

Reflections:

I had a friend who grew up in the church with
me.  His life was very destructive, and was often
in serious trouble.  Even from a young age he
was in and out of juvenile detention.  As he grew
older, he was in and out of jail.  His parents were
disappointed, sad, and ashamed.

I grew up in the church and had a great record
in high school, college, and graduate school.
I ended up becoming a peace organizer, a
police officer, an ordained minister, and I was
filled with pride and presumption. My folks were
so proud.  His parents were sad with a
heavy, heavy heart.  The folks in heaven, well
they don't see any difference between us.
WHY?

My destructive friend cried for mercy and
forgiveness from our God and found his slate
clean.  My own destruction was that of pride
and presumption and I turned to God for
mercy and forgiveness and my slate was
made clean.  Now there is not one iota of
difference in our standing before God.

I find, in my life, that I need to remember this
truth more and more.  You know it is really
contrary to my ever instinct, yet it is God's truth.
"For God has bound everyone over to
disobedience so that he may have mercy on
them all."

Prayer:

Dear Lord, please keep reminding me, that
before your we are all on level ground.
AMEN