If I was completely honest, I would have to admit that I avoid mirrors. In a department store, I’ll rush past one, being careful to lock my gaze in the opposite direction (how dumb does that sound?!). It seems like an odd thing to share with “the world,” but it’s absolutely true. I’ll never argue the truth that God doesn’t make mistakes, but in so many ways I grade myself harshly in what I’ve done with the body and spirit that He gifted me.
That critical nature was tweaked a bit recently as I listened to a song from an artist I love. The song is, “I Am New” by Jason Gray and it speaks of being made new in Christ. “I am not who I was, I’m being remade, I am new,” the chorus begins. Just before that chorus kicks in, at the very end of the third verse, you’ll find the following words…
But the One who is making everything new,
doesn’t see me the way that I do.
He doesn’t see me the way that I do.
Those words nestled themselves deep in my soul and tweaked the critical nature I just confessed. Oh the immeasurable gift it would be to see with His eyes … even one time and just for a few seconds. To see myself, not as the physical or spiritual reflection in my earthly mirror, but as He sees me!
So much of my life is lived in the powerful shadow of my guilt and shame. So many times I stop short of doing something for Him because I convince myself that I’m not worthy or I’ve failed Him far too many times to be of any use. How stuck I can get in the mire of my past.
As I continued in thought, I was reminded of some life-breathing words from a favorite daily devotional (Reflections for Ragamuffins by Brennan Manning). The specific entry is titled, “Responses to Jesus,” and offered a beautiful reminder of the lineage we have in this life of faith.
These biblical characters, however clean or tawdry their personal histories may have been, were not paralyzed by the past in their present response to Jesus. Tossing aside self-consciousness, they ran, clung, jumped and raced to him. Peter denied him and deserted him, but he was not afraid of him.
In reading the full entry, I was reminded once again of the thread of imperfection that runs through the body of Christ. The biblical characters who Brennan was referring to were Mary (sister of Martha), Mary Magdalene and Peter. They are central characters in God’s love story, and yet they are fully flawed human beings. The thread of imperfection runs through them all and extends to you and me. Yet at the same time, they (and we) are perfect examples of the power that exists in the name and redeeming blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
They “were not paralyzed by the past in their present response to Jesus.” Yes Jesus, I want that to be said of me.
How are you with mirrors? And what about your past? If everything I’ve confessed resonates with you, join me. If even the smallest part of something I’ve confessed resonates with you, join me. If you see my confessions in the rear view mirror of your own journey, we’ll join you. Let’s all run, cling, jump and race to Him together!
journey onWord with us 
Hi Brother. It is a powerful thing when God “exposes”, surfaces, to ourselves and others some of our inner thoughts and struggles – imperfections. I think it immediately draws us readers to the place of, “Would I do that?”. In a way we are uncomfortable when others expose true thought, imperfection, about themselves. What do we say in response about their confession and what do we do with the truth it surfaces about ourselves? Few open that door with God, but when they do He seems to offer the invitation to those in their presence as well. What a gift! It really becomes one of those places where our Father’s power is perfected in weakness and I become strong in my weakness. (2 Cor. 12:9-10) Again, thanks!
I was also reminded of I Cor. 13:12 – “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” A few weeks ago I was thinking around this verse and the thought that I cannot, in this body, look directly into my own face or eyes. So much is told, exposed and revealed, by our direct responsive facial expressions and eye contact! I have never seen or encountered myself face to face! Wow! Our Father, in His grace and mercy, desires that I know myself as He knows me. That I know the imperfect, weak, hopeless, dead and apart from Christ Jerry along with the becoming like His Son in perfection, strength, hope and Life Jerry. Thank You Jesus for being the “perfecter of our faith”; “Him who gives me strength”; “our living hope”; and “the life”. Providing the “in Christ”! Father, to know who we are in Your presence is always a place of protection and good and hope. Thank you. Might we enjoy further knowing You and ourselves!
Father, thank You for encouraging Mark to open this door for us. 🙂 Satan tells us that only fear, hurt and discouragement loom behind that door. You say, “then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”! “If [My] Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”! 🙂
By: Jerry Willaman on October 18, 2014
at 10:19 am