Somewhere on I-75 S...
Just off I-75 South, somewhere around mile marker 138, is a large white cross made of metal, casting a shadow over a building marked with XXXs. It's an adult "entertainment" center, so to speak. On my way to spend the Christmas holiday with family, I passed by this particular spot around 2:45 on a Friday afternoon. The Friday two days before the celebration of the birth of the Savior who would free us from the destruction and devastation of the darkness of sin we love so much.
And the parking lot was PACKED.
I was absolutely revolted by the thought of all of those men crowding in this...place...in the middle of a weekday afternoon. In my mind I saw a guy staggering out of the door glassy-eyed from what he had just indulged in, feeling deceptively "satisfied". And I was disgusted.
And all of a sudden, it hit me. Or rather, he spoke, in His ever-gentle way. Every time I "indulge" myself or seek satisfaction in some thing (or sensation, or thought, or feeling) that is less than pure and primarily selfish, I'm just like that glassy-eyed guy who has gotten an eyeful and goes on his merry way, licking his chops over his lascivious thoughts. And I am as disgusting to God in that moment as the man in my imagination was to me.
It's humbling, really. And awe-inspiring. That the Creator of the Universe, the One true and living God who punishes all sin, would love such an adulteress as me. And call me clean.
Wow.
posted by Lorie @ 9:41 AM
8 Comments:
yeah those stores along the interstates are somewhat disheartening. Luckily I have never seen how packed any of them are otherwise I might have been a lil in my thoughts for sure.
And that shadow of a cross looms over everything, every dark place, every shadowy thought, making itself known and offering redemption.
Good thoughts!
I just read through alot of your blogs this morning. I love your writing and your insights. God has truly gifted you. I look forward to being challenged by your journey.
Jason
Thanks. And welcome. :)
Redemption is sweet! I'm often humbled by similar situations. As I lead music at a church for the homeless on Sunday mornings I realize every week that I'm redeemed the same way 'those guys' are even if I'm a little less rough around the edges. I also find it is 'those guys' who I most often find my self around.
We drive past that area several times a year on the trip home. That big cross actually caused a huge flap in that area - zoning issues and whatnot.
Well, Jesus did say that he would rather us be either hot or cold, but he would spew the lukewarm from his mouth. It's one thing to walk in darkness, but quite another to claim to know God while continuing to walk in darkness.
The man you saw used to be me.
I was that man for many years.
My life was full of chaos and evil lusts and desires.
If you saw me now, you wouldn't know it.
Jesus sent an obedient servant of His my way and explained God's grace and mercy to me. I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. I am now, humbly, the obedient servant.
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