But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7.

But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Micah 7:7.

The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” Exodus 34:6.

And continuing our 351 Old Testament prophecies, promises of God, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, we come to number 25: Not a bone of the Lamb will be broken. Exodus 12:46: It is to be eaten in a single house; you are not to bring forth any of the flesh outside of the house, nor are you to break any bone of it. And, John 19:31-36: Then the Jews, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who was crucified with Him; but coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe. For these things came to pass to fulfill the Scripture, “Not a bone of Him shall be broken.”

In the devotional, Devotions for Women by Ann Spangler, I loved what she wrote, “Keller (Timothy Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City), has also famously advised skeptics to doubt their doubts about Christianity. Perhaps it would also be wise to advise the weakest among us to begin to doubt our doubts about God’s character. God says He is a loving Father, and we act as though we are orphans. God reveals Himself as all-powerful, but we don’t think He can help us. God tells us He forgives, and we cling to our guilt. The reason for our doubts? Sister Wendy Beckett archly observes that many who call themselves Christians may well have embraced a false god. “Sometimes I blush for those who think themselves Christian,” she says, “and yet the God they worship is cruel, suspicious, punitive and watchful. Who could love such a God?” She goes on to say, “I have the greatest admiration for atheists, because by definition they have rejected a false ‘God.’” Her point, of course, is not that the atheists are right in rejecting God, but that they are at least right in rejecting a caricature of God that contains more shadows than light. Though the God we love will always be mysterious, we can be sure of one thing – in Him there is no darkness at all.”

How can we be sure there is no darkness in God at all? By coming to know Him as He reveals Himself to us. And that takes time and intention. A journey of our heart and spirit longing for all that is true and good and beautiful. I look at the world today epitomized in the political commercials filled with hate, lies and condemnation for being human and flawed. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples – if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35. As I looked out the window this morning just before starting to write this blog, I saw beautiful, clear light touching everything outside and even the shadows were beautiful because there was no darkness of evil in them. Yesterday I went with a friend to visit two women in assisted living. The first woman shared she was ready to go home to be with Jesus. There was no fear or darkness in her eyes because her love for God was so strong and she knew He, whom she loved, would be waiting to receive her. Is that the God we know? Is He only for those privileged to know Him in this life? Do the politicians and those following them in their condemnation of human beings flawed know God? How dark the hate of the deceiver! The Father did not send His Son to condemn the world. We condemn ourselves. By this all men will know that you are My disciples – if you have love for one another. How are we doing? Without God, we are truly lost. We are seeing that in our world today with the increasing lies and violence and hate and condemnation of “other”. We cannot change the world. We, jars of clay, were never meant to. But we can change our hearts and long for all that is true and good and beautiful. We can trust Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit. The question is do we truly know who He is? And if we’re not sure, we start there. A simple prayer. Father, help me to know You. But we have this treasure in jars of clay – to show that this all-surpassing power is from God – and not from us. But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me! He hears you, too, as you pray and ask Him to draw near and with Him is joy going deep and strong, lifting you up into the light of His love and care. With Him there is no darkness and we can breathe!