This morning’s sermon reminded me how much God delights in blessing us regardless of our performance. We can’t earn our way to it, and yet, we continue to live as if we can. It’s the old lie, the old bondage of Galatians 5. We not longer do; we receive.
I read Psalm 147 this morning and noted how God does not delight in strength or “doing’; rather He delights and favors “those who fear Him. . . who wait for His lovingkindness.” I also had been reading Andrew Murray’s Abiding in Christ and these words: “It is when the soul becomes utterly passive, looking and resting on what Christ is to do, that its energies are stirred to their highest activity, and we work most effectively because we know that He works in us.” We work from this strange place of weakness and passivity.
I think more about this idea of waiting and receiving and this idea of utter passivity. I think about Jesus being drawn to weaknesses and mistakes and suffering and confusion. We don’t get things right first; we always go just as we are.
I have this cat, Merlin, who hardly lets anyone touch him. Sometimes, however, he’ll approach, stiff and suspicious. When we’re able to grab him, and he feels our arms around him, he goes completely and utterly limp. He fully surrenders to us, purring and demanding the blessing of petting, brushing, and treats. He meows if we don’t pay enough attention to him. The transition from totally resistant to fully melting in submission always makes me laugh. And it’s such a picture of utter passivity. So many of us come against our will, then finally relax into the care of a great God.