November 26, 2007

•   The black asphalt seemed to bubble beneath her athletic shoes. The smell was strong—of burning rubber. This stench filled her delicate nostrils. It pervaded her body and made her stomach feel like she has just eaten sardine flavored ice cream. Running had always been her life. She had never grown weary, and asphalt baking in the August sun had never affected her body in this way.

                  She stopped. Her knees folded. She fell hard. The gravel that had once served as a conduit to carry her as fast as the wind had become her bed of embarrassing despair. Sitting in the summer sun, her knees stung. They burned so bad. She touched her legs. They were shaking now from the impact. Blood. It covered her hands. Her stomach rumbled once more. The sardine ice cream feelings suddenly intensified. She heaved. It didn’t taste good. If she could just stand up she thought she might feel better. With arms pressed on the prickly brown grass, she hoisted herself to a modest squat then tumbled back onto the deceptive surface. Why could she not elevate herself? She had tried with all her might to get up, but she couldn’t. Warm blood was now trickling to her ankles. Her socks were wet from this awful red stream.

                  She felt helpless, hopeless, and alone. Why was it that no one was on the track? I was mid-day! She looked in front and behind herself. No one. Nothing. All she could see was the asphalt track still bubbling in the summer, scorching sun. It was hot. As her blood baked, all she could do was wait for someone, anyone, to rescue her.

                  We are in need of a redeemer—a rescuer—a lifeguard that can save us when we wade too far into the dark water. However, this lifesaver does not just want to save us then live apart from us. No, he wants to build a relationship with us.

                  He wants to hold our hands when we are afraid. He wants to laugh with us when our hearts are overflowing with joy. He wants to share deep, intimate thoughts with us and teach us all his vast wisdom. He is our Scholar, Teacher, Friend, Redeemer, Fortress, Rock, Bread, Living Hope, and Future. Our destiny is painted and carved by the hand of the true Master Carpenter and Experienced Artist—the Lord Almighty.

   

  Isaiah 48:17:

  This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.

   

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