After a stern word of clarification regarding the bedtime operation and tears from a sensitive little boy in the middle of transition, I realize that peace, grace and hope were not the overriding tones in my response. I don't know what's more frustrating, his neediness or my selfishness.
'Therefore since we have been justified through faith [in Christ]...'
Four things follow Paul's remark here regarding the justified - those who believe and trust in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. What a stinkin' awesome series of benefits we gain in Christ:
1) Peace with God. Christ's victory over sin and death came at the expense of Him taking the full weight of God's wrath reserved for sinners. He took it on our (my) behalf, covering us and cleansing us. The very same peace that Christ bought for us we're called to model here and now...even with my son well past his bedtime.
2) Stand in Grace. Our faith in this Christ brings about the wild opportunity to live in grace. That is, to live a life connected to the God of the Universe, outside of condemnation and within eternal glory. How convicting it is to receive this grace in the midst of my own graceless confrontation with my little boy.
3) Rejoice in Hope. Hope for what? My fulfilled dreams - The perfect job, family, retirement fund - Long life and health and comfort? No. Hope in God's glory. Glory that's in and about those who have faith in Him. His eternal glory within our now justified souls. While I may fail in any given moment with my son, I rejoice in the hope that my Lord has His hand upon my little dude.
4) Rejoice in Suffering. Why? Because it sanctifies the disciple of Christ. Because through suffering we see that 'God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.' The Spirit, through suffering and struggle, conforms us to the Christ's image. Thank God.
My selfishness is unacceptable. How frustrating it is to succumb to my own selfish desires, even at the end of a long day in a crazy season. Yes, my son should obey his parents, and yes, it's my job and my honor to train him up to do so...yet with grace and joy and appropriate discipline in His love.
My son's neediness for me is only a reflection of my own neediness for my Savior. I pray I remember this truth in the morning.
Peace to you. I pray you too stand in His grace. Always rejoice. Again, I will say it again...rejoice.
Read Romans 5:1-11 (4:1-6:23) for a deeper appreciation for our righteousness in Christ through justification.