Unforeclosable House

“As we were praying, I got an image of a house of forgiveness,” I said to the small group, sitting on comfortable chairs at the leader’s house. After discussing the nature of sin, we’d finished small group with a brief prayer time. As we had explored some of the ways we miss God’s mark, a couple of people had questioned God’s forgiveness. Smiling, I continued, “It is a house God has provided for us. We can eat and sleep and rest in it, almost with a sense of taking it for granted.”

The leader looked thoughtful. “Good image.” We left then, gathering our coats against the cold night.    

Later, snuggling under my down comforter, I thought, “taking for granted” isn’t quite the right phrase, but it’s close. Forgiveness is the house a Christian lives in. When we turn toward him, away from sin, Jesus gives us the keys to the house he’s purchased for us. We can count on its solidity. 

It’s a slate-roofed brick house with a poured cement foundation that extends beyond the frost line. Overstuffed recliners hold us. The winds of guilt and fear may rattle the windows, but they will not blow the house down. Within these walls, we are safe.    

In addition, we needn’t fear foreclosure. Some, though, with oversensitive hearts, may wander the streets, thinking they’ve been forced out. Sounds silly, doesn’t it? How does a house without a mortgage get put in foreclosure? And yet, some of us easily believe God to be mad at us, even foreclosing on a house he’s already paid for.    

Father, Son, Spirit. Again, we thank you for your precious blood-bought forgiveness. Without forgetting that price, may we relax in its shelter.

 

 

Comments

[Pat Kirk]

Very nice message.

Thank you for stopping by my blog, too.