Payment Plan…

I’m considering baking a cake – a carrot cake. It’s for my close friend – and usually I bake it for her family for special occasions. Her husband just called. They have had a family crisis and what do I do when a friend has a crisis? I take them a baked good – its what I know to do.

Unfortunately, its not likely going to work this time. The damage is far- reaching. It will have tentacles that extend into the lives of their children and beyond. In this situation its a matter of betrayal of trust and I suppose that is all I should say at this time – but it is painful. It is devastation that only God will be able repair.

Everywhere I look it seems that I see betrayers. People choosing sin, acting out destruction on loved ones. And all I’ve been able to do is brew a spirit of indignation. I can’t stand it. Why would these people who know God’s grace is available choose otherwise? I could scream, but I don’t want to wake my napping toddler.

Right now, as I search thru the “favorites” for my carrot cake recipe, there is music playing. Its my Easter playlist on my ipod. About halfway down the list is an old hymn – Jesus Paid it All. I hear the words:

For now indeed I find thy power and thine alone can change the leppers’ spots and melt the heart of stone. Jesus Paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

Briefly, I imagine that the blood He shed is only good enough for my sin. Surely, He doesn’t forgive betrayers. And then I remember. I am a betrayer myself. If anyone is a sinner it is me. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that I am choosing God’s grace in my own life. I could be on a road of destruction right now – but He is faithful to forgive me daily.

More words ring in my ears :

Oh Praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead.

If He can raise this life from the depths of sin – He can do it for any sinner. Oh that He would bring grace and forgiveness to other betrayers too. May their hearts be turned toward salvation.

Here are words from Scripture for my heart’s consideration:

1Timothy 1:14-16

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

As for my friend and her family, the dammage is great – But He is greater! I believe He has already made the arrangements for payment. The debt has already been paid! Christ crucified, buried and resurrected: this is the master plan for healing, restoration and recovery that He promises. Hallelujah!

And that is definitely better than any carrot cake I could ever offer.

(originally written February 2010)