Unforeclosable House

“As we were praying, I got an image of a house of
forgiveness,” I said to the small group, sitting on comfortable chairs at the
leader’s house. After discussing the nature of sin, we’d finished small group
with a brief prayer time. As we had explored some of the ways we miss God’s
mark, a couple of people had questioned God’s forgiveness. Smiling, I
continued, “It is a house God has provided for us. We can eat and sleep and
rest in it, almost with a sense of taking it for granted.”

The leader looked thoughtful. “Good image.” We left then,
gathering our coats against the cold night.    

Later, snuggling under my down comforter, I thought, “taking
for granted” isn’t quite the right phrase, but it’s close. Forgiveness is the
house a Christian lives in. When we turn toward him, away from sin, Jesus gives
us the keys to the house he’s purchased for us. We can count on its solidity. 

It’s a slate-roofed brick house with a poured cement
foundation that extends beyond the frost line. Overstuffed recliners hold us. The
winds of guilt and fear may rattle the windows, but they will not blow the
house down. Within these walls, we are safe.    

In addition, we needn’t fear foreclosure. Some, though, with
oversensitive hearts, may wander the streets, thinking they’ve been forced out.
Sounds silly, doesn’t it? How does a house without a mortgage get put in
foreclosure? And yet, some of us easily believe God to be mad at us, even foreclosing
on a house he’s already paid for.    

Father, Son, Spirit. Again, we thank you for your precious
blood-bought forgiveness. Without forgetting that price, may we relax in its
shelter.