"And I will grant authority to my two witnesses [the Church] and they will prophesy for twelve hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth." (Rev 11:3)
I really resonated with what Darrell had to say about the witnesses. I'm not sure what I need to repent of... I have yet to really sit with that one... but I've got a couple of ideas off the top of my head...
At any rate, what I really resonated was the last third of that paragraph. This is something I have been coming to grips with in new ways since the summer. I've always "known" I am broken but in the last eight months, I have really come to realize the depth of my brokenness, and have begun taking really (really) tiny baby steps towards actually embracing the reality of what I (sometimes affectionately, sometimes not-so-affectionately) call "Broken Emily." I would be lying if I said I even remotely enjoy the process, but it's at least a process in which Jesus has been exceptionally faithful to meet me.
BUT... what's cool about embracing the full depth of my brokenness, is that it has given me a whole new ability to relate to people. Because the reality is that we. are. all. broken. Every last one of us has an invisible "Broken" written before our names. That is the common thread of humanity, right alongside (and certainly necessitating) the common thread of "in need of a Savior." Grasping my brokenness has given me new compassion for people like gang members and sex offenders that our society rejects. Grasping my brokenness enabled me to show grace toward the people who have hurt me out of their own places of brokenness and hurt. Grasping my brokenness has given me hope for the judgmental pharisee that still lives within me and rears its head on occasion. Grasping my brokenness has reminded me of my inability to do things on my own. Grasping my brokenness has kept me keenly aware of my need for a Savior.
The bottom line is this: the best (only) way I can relate, minister, and offer Good News to this broken world is to do it from a place that is fully aware of the depth my own brokenness, fully aware of the depth of my own need for a Savior, and fully aware of the depth of redemption that's offered to me in Christ.
Brokenness, brokenness is what I long for
Brokenness, brokenness is what I need
Brokenness, brokenness is what You want for me
The trouble is that that "invisible broken" is actually written in that special ink that only shows up under a black light. And sometimes, a big spotlight comes along and exposes what all of a sudden seems like a huge signpost of brokenness. But you're right, we all get to stand under that spotlight of black light together - it exposes the brokenness of those around us more clearly, but not for the purpose of scrutiny or judgment. We're just learning to see that we're not alone - TWO witnesses. Not one.
ReplyDelete"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, this friend may help him up. Though one may be over-powered, two can defend themselves."
"Give US this day our daily bread.
Forgive US our debts as we forgive our debtors
Lead US not into temptation, but deliver US from the evil one."
Emily - thanks for your post. I am definitely more compassionate and humble when I boast in my weaknesses. Christ in me is more accessible in His witness through me when I am weak. Christ's beauty and spiritual authority is more vivid to others when I am a broken. My poverty is His abundance. So.... do I live this way? Far too little. Therein lies the challenge. Jesus??? HELP!
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