God as eternal judgement - an opportunity to think about these words that cause
some folks to shudder with fear. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]My mom always knew I was a bit odd. Through the years she could only keep thinking
that - I gave her much evidence. I'm sure she was never quite at rest when I went
out at night with friends. As a chaperone she once rescued my best friend when he
showed up so drunk at a school dance he could hardly walk. It was like watching
a living punch line: "He was so drunk, he". And yet, my mom embraced him - was able
to laugh - was able to keep him safe and secure and to get him home safely. No word
to his parents. She knew I could be having a night like that - and later she did
see that. And yet, she moved me into the next day as her beloved. That, was just
one lesson in forgiving and accepting love that provided freedom and not fear.
God as eternal judgment is like a mother who can hold us close when we smell like
fools. In the face of our foolishness and shortcomings, we are judged as beloved
and we will always be sent off with a word of unbounded, eternal love. I often
think of my mother when I attempt to imagine the eternal nature of God's judgment.
I need to do that. The judgment of myself is not as gracious as our God whose judgment
is the power to bring new life - even to me in the midst of my foolishness.
O God of love and new life, shape us and send us. Amen.
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