Throughout the Psalms the writers entreat God to take away their sin. And through the prophets God tells his people he will take their sin away. So what does that have to do with us today? Is anybody asking God to remove his sin, and does God’s promise still hold?
Many wonder if God desires to be active in the lives of mankind since few examples are seen. I argue that once we remember the secret and act on it, we can be recipients of the sin-dissolving grace of God. Remember the prophets who engaged in conversation with God? Especially the one who looked for God in the storm and whirlwind but found him in the still small voice? And Samuel who heard God calling his name in the night? And look at the example Jesus gave, repeatedly going to a quiet place to commune with his Father.
And Gethsemane. We have only one part of the conversation but we can imagine that God was making himself heard in that exchange. God’s secret, which is described throughout scripture, is the spiritual conversation God wants to have with us in order to initiate the cleansing we need.
Our free will is as important to God as his love for us. He will not override the will he has given us. Instead, he waits for our permission to do what is necessary to wash away all that is blocking us from joyful relationship with him. Our participation in God’s salvific act is what is required.
It is up to us to initiate the dialog that will give us the confidence in God’s power so that we will give the important permission. Take paper and pencil and begin with a question. You are always in control.
Ann Glover O’Dell
6 August 2018
Ann Glover O'Dell 