The Best Weekened Ever

We are all broken.  Every one.  Why we try so hard to hide that brokenness is just part of being human.  But it’s a stiffening of the spine, a refusal to lean hard against the God who gave all.

I saw again today the phrase I’ve seen so many times about Veterans….

All gave some, some gave all.

Jesus gave all because the Father asked Him to do so…and that giving of His all reconciles us to the One who created us, who knit us together in our mother’s womb, who has kept us through everything we’ve experienced in life.

The word psuche` always does me in.  It’s Greek for the soul life…the mind, will, and emotions.  Every time in scripture that it says that Jesus laid down His life, the word for life is psuche`, meaning that He refused to listen to His own mind, His own will, and His own emotions to obey what the Father had asked Him to do….so that you and I could know Him.

And to know Him is the reason for our existence.

Jesus gave all.  He is the only unbroken One, the only One who invites us to sit at a table and let Him care for us, wash our dirty and tired feet, and rest against His chest.

And no matter what you are experiencing right this minute, He understands.  And He is leading because He is a good Shepherd.

Once in Scotland, I was walking down a hill and realized that on the road below me was a real life shepherd, staff in hand, clucking a call to the sheep who were following him.  Most of them followed without reservation as they knew his voice and knew they were protected and provided for in his care.  The strays were rounded up as the sheep dog “encouraged” them to follow instead of remaining behind.  They were led to new pasture.  Green, full of life.  Lush, moist, and fresh.

If we choose to follow Jesus, that is what is provided.  “The Lord is my Shepherd” is not automatic.  It can be ours if we choose to follow, if we too lay down our life, our psuche`, and denying that strong self-life, find the love of our life in His care.

All of life is hinged on this Door.  If you want to go through it, if you feel His hand reaching out for yours, it may feel hard, it may feel fearful and uncertain, but I can tell you that it is the most trustworthy life in existence.  And it’s not about being strong, it’s about needing Him to fix our brokenness and throwing the whole weight of our self upon His love.

And it is really is unconditional.  It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, what you think, what you say.  You are wonderful, accepted, loved.  No matter what.  If you’re not sure if it fits, just walk barefoot a bit with Him.

And this weekend?  This Resurrection weekend?  It’s the best ever.  The best time to stop and think about what has happened because you are so. incredibly. loved.

(c) Robin Lawrimore, March 29th, 2013 – Happy Resurrection Day (new life, right?)

Linking up with Five Minute Friday, Lisa Jo Baker here.