The Good, the Bad, and the Foolish

The Book of 2nd Chronicles is like a roller coaster that soars way up into the sky and descends to great depths.  One king pleases God, while another blasphemes everything sacred to the Jewish culture of ancient Judah.  The only thing that remained consistent was God’s deliverance in times of confession and restoration for those who remained faithful, and the pouring of holy wrath on those who failed to keep His commandments.  Kings set the religious trajectory of the nation, and people followed.

As a pastor, I am well aware of the responsibilities to remaining true to the faith.  My leadership guides the congregation that I serve.  Clergy sets the example for others to follow regarding authentic worship, communal celebrations, and holy living.  Such responsibilities must be approached with awe and a daily commitment to devote each day to the Most-High God.

But, there are days when I stray from the path and fail to observe all the tenets of my faith.  I am not perfect and make choices that do not reflect my decision to turn my life over to the care of God.  Sometimes I get weary and make bad choices.  My leadership suffers, and I find myself trapped in a world of hurt and sorrow.  The Deuteronomic theme overwhelms me and, just like the kings in the books of Chronicles, I am on a roller coaster of hope and regret, joy and confusion, promise and destruction.

Hear the good news!  I can always ask forgiveness and be restored.  Holy love gives us yet another chance to rediscover our amazing God, the Giver of Grace.  Praise be to God for the gift of renewal, for the Divine grants us one more opportunity to be made whole.  We ask forgiveness and seek to make our pathway straight in a crooked desert.