Take refuge in the FATHER - F=Forgiveness

God presents Himself to us in three images – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In looking at how we can take refuge in “the LORD”, we can see different ways that “the LORD” reaches out to us by looking at each part of the trinity.

God, the Father can be represented as an acronym that describes the Father’s heart toward us.

F – Forgiveness. It is as Lewis B. Smedes wrote, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” Sin separates us from God and forgiveness of that sin is the method He provides to reconcile the broken relationship. The Father loves us so much that he desperately wants to repair the broken relationship, even to the extent that he would allow His own Son to pay the price for our sins. Through that sacrifice, the Father chooses to forgive our sins in the same way we forgive others.

Through the scriptures, we are commanded to forgive others:

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against any, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing.” (Mark 11:25 HCSB)

“And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” (Ephesians 4:32 HCSB)

“Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord had forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:12-13 HCSB)

“For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well.” (Matthew 6:14 HCSB).

Notice that we are repeatedly instructed to forgive others so that we can be forgiven. The Father knows that if we are holding grudges and bitterness towards others, we are just hurting ourselves. He loves us so much that He wants the best for us and that begins with forgiveness.

Sacrificial Suffering of the Savior

Take Refuge in the sacrificial suffering of the Savior.

Tonight was the annual Maundy Thursday service at my church. As we came to a time of reflection, God brought to my mind the suffering that Christ experienced on our behalf.

While at the Garden of Gethsemane, He spent time talking to the Father. Time spent preparing for the days ahead. During that time, He reached a point that he asked, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from Me – nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” – Luke 22:42 (HCSB). Hearing this prayer, the Father responded, as the passage continues, “Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him.” – Luke 22:43 (HCSB). Jesus willingly took on Himself the sins of a self-centered, willful people (all mankind) so that we could have the opportunity to spend eternity with Him and with the Father. And, in willingly doing this, the Father sent him comfort.

Jesus knew the path that was ahead of Him. “And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” – Luke 22:44 (HCSB). He knew that He would soon be betrayed by one of a trusted few. He knew about the trial. He knew that the crowds who had cheered Him just days before would cry out for his crucifixion. He knew about the scourging. He knew about the mocking. He knew that He soon would not even be recognizable as a man. He knew about the cross. He knew about the nails in His hands and feet. He knew that He would hang there for all to see and ridicule. He knew that only a few of His followers would actually be there with Him. He knew about the death to come. And yet, he chose the Father’s will and not His own.

I wonder, did He think about the resurrection? Did He think about the victory over death? Or were the sins of the world that He took upon Himself so great that it was all He could do just to bear them. Did He willingly go to the cross without contemplating what else had to be done after His death? Was the angel from heaven sent to Him to help Him prepare just for the crucifixion and death or was the angel also there to prepare Him for the resurrection as well?

Regardless of whether Jesus was thinking about the resurrection, He knew that He was facing the most horrific death that mankind had ever imagined. He knew that even though the Father loved his creation, sin had permanently separated them and only one sacrifice was sufficient to span that chasm between God and man. He willingly, knowingly and sacrificially chose to follow the course of suffering for my sake and for yours. Jesus loved us, all of us, so much that He was willing to give everything for us.

As you celebrate this Easter season, take refuge in the Savior and the sacrifice that He made just for you and for me.

Cross or Sword?

Take Refuge in the Cross -- what better place to be.....

It was Palm Sunday and our church continued an annual tradition. Each person was given a cross made from palm tree leaves. It was a nice reminder that Palm Sunday begins the week that led up to the cross and Christ’s sacrifice for all men. However, in the hand of a child the cross became something much more adventurous. Grabbing the cross by the topmost section and swinging it in the air, this reminder of sacrifice became a sword of adventure. Turning to find another child with a “sword” in hand, the boys were ready to do battle with whomever they met.

Of course there were adults that were appalled at this lack of respect, but when thinking a little harder about the possibilities, I recognized a teaching moment for the children. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and then rose from the grave, it was as if He had taken the cross and used it as a sword to defeat both Satan and death to redeem the Father’s children. He became the knight in shining armor going to battle for the sake of the kingdom that was being terrorized by the evil forces. He was the only one able to wield the sword of truth and defeat the enemy.

So, when you see children using their crosses as swords, remind them that Jesus too fought a great battle. He used His cross to win the battle over Satan and death to provide for them the opportunity to spend eternity with Him.

What is "taking refuge"?

Look up the word in the dictionary. Refuge is referred to as:
• a shelter or protection from danger and trouble
• a source of help, relief, or comfort in times of trouble.
• anything or anyone where you can seek aid, relief or escape

To take refuge means to seek out and acquire or accept refuge. It is finding a place to hide in a storm or when being chased. It is finding comfort when our heart is troubled. It is finding solace when we are sad or worried. It is, above all else, an action. Taking refuge requires that we do something in order to receive the refuge. We either have to go somewhere or ask someone for the help.

The Bible talks about taking refuge in many places. Here are just a few.
• 2 Samuel 22:31 “As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tested; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” NASB
• Psalm 2:12, “… All those who take refuge in Him are happy.” HCSB
• Psalm 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice.” HCSB
• Psalm 16:1 “Protect me God, for I take refuge in you.” HCSB
• Psalm 118:8 “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” NASB
• Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” HCSB
• Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him.” NASB

Taking refuge in God is allowing him to be the ultimate source of protection and strength for our lives. We must make the choice. We must choose God and seek His refuge in all we do.

As we explore taking refuge through this blog, the focus will be on how we can take refuge in God. Sometimes the source of inspiration will be examples from daily life. Sometimes it will be from examining scriptures such as the ones above. Sometimes the message will just be putting into words the feelings and emotions that are stirred deep inside me. But, regardless of the source of inspiration, I pray that God will speak to your heart as He has to mine about the importance of putting Him first in all that you do and say.