Tuesday, last week I had a weird incident. I got lost as to what day it was (Yup! It happens occasionally). Making light of it, I rationalized thinking that it must be the simultaneous occurrence of crisis globally at the start of 2020—the Australian bush fire; Taal volcano’s eruption; Africa’s locust plague; a senator’s visa cancellation vis-à-vis the president’s threat to review the VFA (seems satirical in proportion to the global woes?!); the outbreak of the Corona virus; the death of a Black Mamba. Or was it simply the natural consequence of the Leap Year? Like pouring vinegar to a wound, I even manually corrected my date settings; only to be told by my wife later, “It is only Tuesday!”. . .
Then I was reminded of a question, “Where are you?”1
Again, evening come, crawling through EDSA on my way back home, I see this huge message on an electronic billboard: “Where are you, SALLY?”
To Cain the LORD said, “Where is Abel your brother?”2 To Hagar he said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?”3
Typical of a father to his children, he constantly watches over the whereabouts of his children whom he loves. God is no different. He is like the shepherd to his sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.4 True, he has marked those who are his.5 He even provides a seal.6 Or a robe and a ring7—as a sign of our identity and authority.
There is no escaping it. God loves you just the way you are. But he loves you too much to let you stay just the way you are.8
Have you prided yourself of your lineage, your titles, your riches, or your power? They all fall short of the glory of God.9 Have you been relying on your good works? They are all filthy rags (literally, menstrual cloth).10 Have you been toiling and going around circles, wondering, “Lord, when will this ever end?” Good news! Jesus says, Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.11
Honestly, take stock! Wake up from your stupor! Ask yourself, “Where are you?”
Notes:
1. Genesis 3:9
2. Genesis 4:9
3. Genesis 16:8
4. John 10:14
5. Genesis 4:15
6. Ephesians 1:13
7. Luke 15:22
8. Paraphrased from Ptr Paolo Punzalan’s preaching, Amazing Grace, 26 Jan 2020
9. Romans 3:23
10. Isaiah 64:6
11. Matthew 11:28-30
Ang ganda! Thanks for this George!