Don't Lose Your Head

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:26-28 ESV). The Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris, sits next to the Seine River, nestled between the Jardin des Tuileries and les Champs Elysées. It is a beautiful part of this incredible city. I have only been there twice; however, both times I was amazed at the history that surrounds you as you walk the sidewalks leading to the Arc de Triomphe. One of the historical facts of this beautiful place is that it was one of the bloodiest of all during the French Revolution. More than 1300 people were executed here, among them Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and Robespierre. Imagine being dragged out in front of a tumultuous crowd, wondering where your supporters are. But no one is cheering for you. Instead, they are all chanting for your certain, upcoming death. Once at the guillotine, three people surround you. One is the actual executioner who will pull the lever to release the blade to sever your head from your body; one will be the assistant with a basket to catch your head once it has been removed from your torso; and, one will be the judge who will stand next to the basket with the sole purpose of lifting your head from the basket and showing it to everyone for a last cheer! Suddenly you realize that the days when you woke up on the wrong side of the bed were good days after all. At least they were as compared to what you are now facing! You have been completely and utterly defeated with no hope in sight. Our reading today helps us understand that though we “lose our head” during this life time, we can know where our souls are heading! Once there, we will not be surrounded by hostility. We will be welcomed with open arms, because "we are more than conquerors through him who loved us"! Jesus made this possible. Thanks to Him, we have nothing to be afraid of. If we die, we will be with him in an instant, knowing full well that nothing can separate us from Him! So no matter what our circumstances, we do not have to be afraid any longer. Instead we can rejoice because our King loves us and will always stand by us! Nothing can separate us from His love! I know… you still are worried about your head! Well, that too will be fixed by the One who created you!