This week’s devotion…
“WIABDWTB”
But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God –John 1:12
It’s Holy Week. Or as I like to think of it, Wholly Weak.
This is the week of the year when my spirituality takes me to the dark side of town. When I come face to face with Who I Am But Don’t Want To Be, or as I call him, WIABDWTB.
I find WIABDWTB lurking there, in the darkness of Holy Week. He’s scary. Sneering at me. A reflection of all the times I’ve Denied. Betrayed. Doubted.
Actually, that’s just the start of the list. Sure, I’ve denied like Peter, betrayed like Judas, and doubted like Thomas. But when I take a good long look at WIABDWTB I see lots more than that. I’ve been selfish. Unforgiving. I’ve said and done some mean and ugly things. I’ve turned my back on people in need. Lots of times.
How could God ever love someone as awful as me? I’m no better than those in the angry mob, calling for Jesus’ death.
Wow. When I come face to face with WIABDWTB things can get down right depressing. And I suppose that’s appropriate for Holy Week, right? It’s that designated time for us to realize just how Wholly Weak we truly are.
Well, yes, but…
If I lose myself in contemplating my own shortcomings and worthlessness I risk missing the real point of Holy Week: Reintroducing myself to WIABBOGL: Who I Am Becoming Because of God’s Love.
It’s important for us to come to grips with our sinfulness. But honestly, if I’m walking in the bad part of town in the middle of the night, I’d certainly rather have an encounter with WIABBOGL than WIABDWTB. Wouldn’t you?
WIABBOGL is aware of my sinfulness and shortcomings…but there’s hope! My grandma had a little desktop sign that I’ve had for years. It says, “God is perfecting that thing that concerneth me”. Even in Holy Week, God’s Love is at work.
Remember that even when we’re at our weakest, God is strong. Even at Gethsemane. Even on Calvary. Even in the bad part of town. So take these next few steps cautiously, but confidently. Take a good long look at your life this week, but if you start to get scared, remember this:
God’s love can rescue us…
Even from ourselves.
Have a holy week,
Mitch
