Thin Places

 

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:31-37 ESV).

 

In Jordan Kisner's book, "Thin Places," she explains that according to a Celtic proverb, “thin places” are where “the barrier between the physical world and the spiritual world wears thin and becomes porous.” I have experienced several moments in my life that I would call a "thin place." I have felt this at the birth of our children and grandchildren, on a mountaintop at sunset, and at the bedside of someone who is dying. I have also felt this in everyday moments through individuals caring for one another, and in the midst of unexpected laughter. Tomorrow, which is our oldest son’s birthday, I’ll have a bit more to say about this truth.

 

Today, as we look at the incredible declaration of the Apostle Paul in our reading, we should see the incredible hope God has given us in recognition of the truth expresses in His unfailing grace. This is one of those times when our prayers and Scripture reading come alive and we sense the Holy Spirit at work. I think our current culture needs to see the “thin places” God has arranged in our world. There are so many people who feel as if their world is crumbling around them. They feel as if there is no hope in view of the seemingly endless challenges of daily life.

 

Circumstance has a way of denying the truth of our hope. However, when we are able to refocus our attention on our new identity in Christ, we are able to see ourselves as prophets, priests, and kings and queens. The Creator who loves us has brought us into fellowship with himself. Paul was correct when he said, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (v. 31).

 

Today, live like a child of the king, a priest of the Lord, and a prophet of the most high God. The ultimate “thin place” has been breached by the coming of Jesus! Forever, our lives are changed by that truth!