Death and the Gospel

At times, authors use vast generalizations to appeal to a wider audience. Christians often use generalizations and euphemisms to avoid offense or anything that may cause discomfort. That being said, I do wish to point out to a larger Christian audience that our Bible is full of weird, violent, and sexual tales of human depravity. The Holy Scriptures we follow pull no punches about how we are in our humanity. It also does not dilute the depths of our sinfulness. God is willing to dive in to save us, so I challenge you to stop wincing at others that you deemed yourself holier than, and trust that we have all fallen short.

The Bible is extremely clear when it comes to taking life. There is even a passage to help those that have unintentionally or accidentally taken someone’s life, but I personally have never heard a sermon or read a devotion for those who have taken someone else’s life, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This does not appeal to the masses or make for a popular ministry. No one wants to discuss horrific accidents that have left parents childless. Preachers will attempt to frighten congregations into conversion with tales of teenage car accidents; but who is there to console the 16 year old driver that walked away from the wreckage as the sole survivor? Is there enough grace for the drunk driver who veered into the other lane? Are you wincing yet?

Maybe this is the moment you realized that grace was the very thing you needed. Perhaps you've spent hating yourself, punishing yourself and deeming yourself unworthy of love, over a mistake that caused the loss of life. Even if you are sitting in a prison cell after murdering someone with hate in your heart, there is a God that loves you. This is the scandal of the Gospel; that even in death that you caused, God will invade your life and welcome you into His scandalous love affair.

Reflection

So take the step of faith today. It is not too late. Turn to the Father with your grieving and hurting heart. He cares. He loves. He will restore.