What a cost!

 Pulling weeds this warm humid morning; what a grimy job! After a while I looked down at my calves  and feet, finding them covered in sweat, soil and a few mosquito bites. Even wearing work gloves, I had to dig out dirt from underneath my nails. First thought: I really like to be clean, dry and cool. 

Then I thought of Jesus. He stepped out of Heaven and spent most of his earthly life dirty and uncomfortable from the elements….for me. From smelly, scratchy hay to long dusty roads, blistered feet, days on days in the same soiled garments and rarely a roof over his head. He definitely was not spoiled with the comforts we so take for granted. 

I usually find myself moved by his miracles and healings and of course, his agony on the cross, but recently the ordinary has struck me in a fresh, personal way. I’m amazed by his willingness to lay down Heaven to rescue us. I certainly don’t think he used superpowers to deal with somatic discomforts; He felt every pang of hunger, every sore muscle, deep exhaustion and head to toe filth at times. The spotless Lamb probably desired a deep long soak and not necessarily in the Galilean waters.

Which makes me wonder how often did he think about the purity and extravagance of home, his Heaven?  When He departed to pray, did Jesus long for perfect shalom with His Father; how far back did His memories reach? 

I’m unraveled by a God who exchanges everything for broken children like us? Wallow in what Jesus endured and see if gratitude and love springs forth!