thoughts on the anniversary of the invasion

"Christianity agrees with Dualism that this universe is at war. But it does not think this is a war between independent powers. It thinks it is a civil war, a rebellion, and that we are living in a part of the universe occupied by the rebel. 

Enemy-occupied territory—that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage."

--C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (book 2, chap 2)

"The whole world lies in the power of the evil one."
1 John 5:19 

"[Jesus], though he was in the form of God,

did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

but made himself nothing, 

taking the likeness of a servant, 

being born in the likeness of men."

Phil. 2:6-7

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"Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly." Matt. 1:18-19

What is the connection between righteousness and not shaming Mary? 

Joseph was not selfish enough to desire the revenge of public humiliation.

Heavenly Father, what a role model you gave your son for his early life!

"And while they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to give birth. ... And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2: 6, 8-11.

158 chances to get it right

God allows second chances.

It's easy to say, but when a period of one's life makes one require a third, fourth, or one hundredth chance, the belief dims. Could God really still love me after another screw-up? I don't deserve another chance--if I were God, I would have fired me from myself by now. Yet here I am, awake, myself, fully aware of the sin I committed yesterday yet still having one more chance to try again.


"I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgement; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire." (Matt. 5.22)


Check--count me liable for all three. Times 20.

But God refuses to give up on me. Why? I'm nothing worth saving. Instead of grumbling about what an idiot I am, God simply says "I love you; I forgive you."

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 Jn. 1.9)


And Jesus doesn't get an attitude; he doesn't say "Get with the program already! I died for that sin--stop it!"

"But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1 Jn. 2.1)


I have 158 more chances to get it right. God graciously, gladly, and in love gives me every single one of those chances, plus more. Am I willing to take him up on this offer? Am I willing to rise every morning and accept another chance of victory?

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies are new every morning." (Lam. 3.22)