Tears and Refuge - Day 73 Month 3-14 Week 11-3

Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)


Leviticus 13 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2013&version=NASB1995

Psalm 61 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2061&version=NASB1995

Mark 14:53-72 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2014%3A53-72&version=NASB1995


Tears and refuge


As I read Leviticus 13 today, I was recognizing, with gratefulness, modern medicine and the fact that leprosy is curable.  I was also realizing how difficult the law was and I’m thankful that through Jesus, these laws are fulfilled and we are not controlled by them.  Leviticus has been and is going to continue to be a very difficult read.  I realize, it must have been very difficult for those who were Israelites and if someone had leprosy, they had to be removed from their families and live outside the camp.  Not only was it illness but it was also separation from those you love.


When we are separated from those we love, it can be very difficult.  When my mom passed away, though she had lived many years, we had the realization that we are separated until I transition to my eternal home in Christ's kingdom.  That explains why we grieve.  In those times we are separated, we don’t need to be separated from God.


David, in Psalm 61, talks about how he can always call on God and He is there.  “Hear my cry, O God; Give heed to my prayer.  From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint.”  In verse 4 he says "Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.”  Sometimes, it can be difficult to believe that God provides you with His shelter.  We sometimes feel all alone and unprotected.  The thing is, even when we are angry with God or feel we’ve been treated unfairly by him, we can still call on Him and His shoulders can take it - all our pain, sorrow, anger, etc.


Have you ever had such deep sorrow that you just cried.  I shared, a little while ago, how difficult it was when my first marriage failed and I cried intensely for a long time in my pastor's office.  What I did not mention was that after the intense period of crying, I felt a huge release.  The pain and heaviness just left me.  For several years, I did not know what would happen next in my life, but I was able to have a positive outlook more than negative.  What was really great, is I got closer to Jesus and my regular dialogue with him was continual.


Peter, in our Mark reading, weeps after he denied Jesus 3 times and the rooster crowed.  For the next 3 days, Peter would feel intense separation from Jesus.  I personally, can not imagine how deep the pain Peter felt.  He denied the Messiah and he knew it.  Imagine the regret he felt. But imagine how he felt when he saw that this incident was not the ending - only the beginning of something life changing, unimaginable… (stay tuned!)


We all have regrets.  I know I have some regrets.  When I recall some of the things that I’ve done that I regret, I am thankful that Jesus is there right beside me, reminding me that I am forgiven and I can rest under his wings.  Sometimes  it takes time for me to realize that’s where I really am!  Usually, I just need to get “me” out of the way to recognize who’s got me covered, who provides shelter for me in the storms of life.


Have a great day!

Steve


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