Something stuck with me from the 66 Books last post of the 2014. It was Christian’s Henri Nouwen quote:
“…though the experience of being the Beloved has never been completely absent from my life, I never claimed it as my core truth. I kept running from it in large or small circles, always looking for someone or something able to convince me of my Belovedness. It was as if I kept refusing to hear the voice that speaks from the very depth of my being and says: ‘You are my Beloved, on you my favor rest.”
I can identify with this at the core of my being. So much of my energy is wasted in disbelief, and I am not alone. Adam and Eve let themselves be deceived into thinking that God was withholding what was good for them and foolishly seized that which would destroy them. Cain failed to trust in God’s desire to provide for him so he held back the best of his flock when it came time to offer a sacrifice. Convinced that God’s favor loved his brother more than him (enter the jealousy, the green eyed monster), Cain took Abel’s life. And the story continues. How far we wander from the love of God.
In Mark 2, the broken and outcast who take Jesus at his word and receive healing and acceptance. God’s love is simply, freely offered. The religious people make God’s love something complex, something that must be earned. Jesus brings me back to the truth of God’s love; I am his Beloved. He does not withhold his affection, provision or favor from me. I can not earn it. I simply, humbly receive it.
Lord, may I turn my face towards you and hold tightly onto your love and grace. I want to receive the favor you long to have rest on me (Psalm 90:17). I ask this in the name of your son Jesus. Today, I say out loud, “I am your beloved.” Thank you.
Klueh
Sixty-six books in a year 