By Marieanne Rose
During church Sunday morning, we received directions and – at one point – left our seats heading to other parts of the sanctuary. I greeted people as I moved through the room and ended up toward the front in an entirely different section. Later, when I returned to my seat, there was Karl sitting right where I left him.
I asked him, “Didn’t you leave your seat?” “Oh, yes”, he said, “I sat in your seat.” Yup – that’s my husband…really stepping out there in uncharted territory! He makes me laugh…because he’s so predictable! Truth be known, I love that about him! His predictability is a comfort to me.
Not all relationships have that predictability factor. Walking with God can be a little trickier. He’s not quite so predictable! He is faithful…that’s true! He never changes…His word assures us of that! He’ll never abandon us…of that, we’re sure. But, He doesn’t always do what we expect and He can bring change to our lives without warning.
He certainly brought dramatic change to the ten lepers’ lives! In a moment in time, He made it possible for them to be restored to their families, to the community at large, to the church, and probably to their jobs. Big time change…good change!
And then the worship team led us in the fantastic song, “I Will Rise” By Chris Tomlin
v.1 There’s a peace I’ve come to know though my heart and flesh may fail
There’s an anchor for my soul – I can say “It is well”
Jesus has overcome And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won He is risen from the dead.
Chorus: And I will rise when He calls my name – No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings before my God fall on my knees and rise – I will rise.
v.2 There’s a day that’s drawing near when this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear and my faith shall be my eyes
Jesus has overcome And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won He is risen from the dead
And I hear the voice of many angels sing, “Worthy is the Lamb”
And I hear the cry of every longing heart, “Worthy is the Lamb”
As my eyes were closed and I lifted my hands in worship during this wonderfully, worshipful song, I found myself wondering, “what might God want to restore in me? Is there a disease in my heart causing me to experience brokenness in relationships? Could I have twisted thinking or speaking that infects others? Am I unclean or – in some way – unapproachable?” The healing He has for me can be as complete and restorative as the lepers experienced and I want to receive His healing touch and respond with a humble and grateful heart!
Jesus, Master, have mercy on me!
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