The Lawyer |
| Posted by Mark (mark) on Mar 31 2008 at 8:21 PM |
“How can I know that I’ve found salvation?” I asked a wise man once.
He replied with frustrating brevity, “Trust”.
“But how can I know,” I emphasized in both voice and manner.
“You find it hard to trust your savior?”
“Sometimes,” I responded honestly.
“It is hard because of the god you know.”
“The god I know?”
“There was a lawyer once,” said the man ignoring my question, “He rose to the top of the legal ranks. He was renowned for his meticulous and dogmatic manner. If a contract said that “A”, “B”, and “C” must be fulfilled, then he made sure all requirements were met satisfactorily or the deal was voided. He would not give an inch. If the rules weren’t followed, you lost. If you missed something, even innocently, he had your hide strung up in court.”
There was a pause and having no idea why the man had told me of the lawyer, I got impatient. “What does that have to do with my question?” I blurted out.
“You fear that God is a little like the lawyer. The god you know, might just be like that. That’s why it’s hard to trust.”
“You don’t find it hard to trust your savior?”
“Not so much anymore, but then I started to understand the cross a little.”
“How so?” I eagerly retorted.
“The love of God exposed on the cross does not paint a picture of that lawyer; though I must confess, I once too was vexed by that demigod. No, it paints the picture of a father; a good father. Now think of a good father and his child. Is he so legalistic with his son, as the lawyer is with his clients and adversaries?”
“Obviously not.”
“Yes, obviously,” he echoed with a chuckle, “On the cross I see that good father generously providing salvation and life for all to receive. I see a father calling his children in for dinner, even though many of them have forgotten it’s supper time. And if you won’t eat or won’t come in, then he will graciously call you in again the next day, and the next, and the next. The cross is that invitation echoing throughout the ages like a ripple on the water. And if you starve, it won’t be for a lack of generosity, or because of a technicality. As you get to know that God, it will become easier to trust and you will know salvation.”
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