We had the privilege of hearing from both Rodney Lau and Peggy Leung at Toronto Lifespring yesterday. As they shared and spoke on Residential schools and the impact of the horrors that occurred that still last till this day.
In a world where there are atrocities all around us – from murders, to abortion, to riots, to theft, to basically everything against the 10 commandments… honestly, sometimes it feels like TLCF & MLCF are going to heaven, but everyone else is destined to hell.
We don’t murder like those other people…
We don’t steal like those other people…
We don’t commit adultery like those other people…
We don’t do those things – only sinners do!
As I read the story of Jesus – from the moment he was arrested to the moment he was on the cross – the entire journey my King, my Father, my Lord, my Savior, my Deliverer… he was spat on, whipped, made fun of. An anger rose up in me condemning all that would do such a thing – thinking to myself they will rot in the fiery flames.
Yet God. God stopped me in my thoughts and simply spoke in a still small voice, “I died for them… as I have also died for you”.
I am not greater than the one who spot on Jesus. I am not greater than the one who whipped him. I am a sinner just like you, just like them, just like all of us.
The Pharisee in me and the world around you will tell you to hate, to judge, to compare, and to even “throw the first stone”. But Jesus calls us to be different and do it differently. Love your neighbour as yourself. Give much grace to yourself, give much grace to others.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world. But be transformed by the renewing of your mind!
Father God, let our minds be transformed to your ways! May you crush the Pharisee in us if and when it ever raises its head. May we never hinder others from coming to You but may we welcome with open arms – your way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.