Today's Daily Bread
Road Construction
Here in Michigan we joke that we have two seasons: winter and road
construction. Harsh winters damage road surfaces, so repair crews begin
their work as soon as the ice melts and the ground thaws. Although we
call this work “construction,” much of what they do looks like
“destruction.” In some cases, simply patching holes is not an option.
Workers have to replace the old road with a new one.
That’s what it can feel like when God is at work in our lives.
Throughout the Old Testament, God told His people to expect some major
renovation on the road between Him and them (Isa. 62:10-11; Jer. 31:31).
When God sent Jesus, it seemed to the Jews as if their way to God was
being destroyed. But Jesus wasn’t destroying anything. He was completing
it (Matt. 5:17). The old way paved with laws became a new way paved
with the sacrificial love of Jesus.
God is still at work replacing old ways of sin and legalism with the
way of love that Jesus completed. When He removes our old ways of
thinking and behaving, it may feel as if everything familiar is being
destroyed. But God is not destroying anything; He is building a better
way. And we can be confident that the end result will be smoother
relationships with others and a closer relationship with Him.
Free from the law—O happy condition!
Jesus has bled, and there is remission;
Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall,
Grace has redeemed us once for all. —Bliss
Jesus has bled, and there is remission;
Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall,
Grace has redeemed us once for all. —Bliss
Upheaval often precedes spiritual progress.
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