The Long Goodbye
You guys know that my father’s health has been failing for years now. Since I was in high school he’s been battling one thing or another. In the last few years his health has really declined significantly finding him in dialysis, a wheelchair and on the short list for amputations.
A couple of weeks ago the doctors determined that much of both legs would have to be amputated. He also began noticing other areas of his health leading to certain complication and, through much prayer and time with my mom, decided to stop fighting death. Technicians refer to dialysis not as life-support, but death-delay because there’s no healing or recovery for a dialysis patient, only a slow and painful death. My father’s decision was to take his life out of the hands of dialysis and into the hand of Christ—knowing that Jesus would heal him for this life, or take him home for the ultimate healing in paradise.
I’ve been living in my parents living room for almost two weeks. Jenny has given me a wonderful gift by bearing the entire burden of our household so that I can spend these priceless last days with my parents. They come across every couple of days to spend time with grandpa, and to grieve. We’re all exhausted, so I don’t want to allow the strain and sorrow to overpower the immense gratitude that we all have to spend such precious moments with my dad before he passes into the Kingdom. The last 10 days feel like a year and counting with no idea of what will come.
I hope to give you updates when there’s something to share.
- I want to ask for your continued prayers and support at this time. I’m in Edmonds. Jenny’s mostly at home with trips to Edmonds as often as they can. We’re all beat and really value your prayer.
Introducing the Sin-O-Meter!
I’m excited to introduce you to a new device that is certain to set you above your peers and set your mind a ease with the calming reassurance that comes with comparing yourself with others. Some of the features include:
- Lightweight so you can always keep it handy wherever you go.
- High contrast LED readout for easily discernible sin measurement.
- MicroSD slot for storing up to 3 lifetimes or 3.8 million unique records.
- Can sense and measure a person’s sin-level from up to 86 feet eliminating the need for direct contact or further data such as a person’s background or current status.
STOP IT!
We don’t need the Sin-O-Meter to make a snap judgement about someone else? The skills listed above can be genetically traced all the way back to the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 3, Satan accuses God of trying to deceive Adam and Eve by telling them that they would die if they ate of a specific fruit tree. “You will not surely die… For God knows that when you eat of [the fruit] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” His accusation was rooted in his own pride and a desire to distract and destroy something that God called ‘very good.’
Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Then where do we get the idea that our sins are any less than someone else’s? If we all sin, is there really any way for one person to be better than another?
The bible makes it pretty clear that there is no sin greater than another, though the earthly consequences can vary quite a bit. But many Christians have used scripture as a weapon of hate—a tool of segregation and isolation. Jesus did not.
There are two stories in the bible that have impressed me more than many others when I consider how I react to what I perceive as sin in others.
In John 4:1-26 we see Jesus is asking a woman for a drink of water. She’s not just any woman, but she’s a Samaritan woman. Jesus, being a Jew, would never speak to an unclean Samaritan, especially a lowly woman… but He is Jesus, and he doesn’t want a drink of water. His desire is to find a place in her heart by breaking down the societal walls and sitting for a moment in a relaxed state. Soon Jesus would reveal the truth of pain and a longing for love that she has sough from so many men. Then He offers her a drink of water that promises to fill her up—quenching that deep thirst, while washing her clean. She knows that Jesus offers and delivers a new start, and fresh perspective.
In John 8:1-11, Jesus is crouching in the sand making shapes with his finger. Men yell over His shoulder to clear the courtyard for the issuance of judgement on a woman caught in adultery. It was the just thing for a woman to be stoned to death for committing such an act. Jesus looks up to say, “Any of you who think you’re free of sin, throw your stone.” One at a time, the men dropped their stone and walked away until no one was left to accuse her. Then the one who knew her better than she knew herself asked, “Were are your accusers? Who is left to condemn you?” “No one,” the woman said. And Jesus said, “Then neither do I condemn you. Go and leave your life of sin.”
In these two accounts, we see a Savior, not the judge. We see truth revealed, rather than a masked lie. And we see love.
Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition of vein conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”
Probably the best thing that could happen to us humans, would be to have our deepest, most secret sins printed on the outside of our clothing. If we could walk around and know that no sin was private, how would it change our behavior? Even better, how would it change our relationship with each other. And even better, how would it change our understanding and relationship with the God who loves us?
Just like Adam and Eve in the garden, we live in a fish bowl. You might think your hiding behind that little treasure chest with the bubbles, but your tail end is right there for the Father to witness. He knows you. And He loves you. Jesus wants to apply His gift of total sin removal to your life so that He can get on with the bigger plans. He’s designed you for a purpose. He’s dealt with your sin already, and offers you the freedom of a fresh start and a life the way God sees it.
John 3:17 says, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” If He doesn’t condemn you, then neither do I condemn you. Now, go and leave your life of sin.
