Even though I never lived in it, panel one echoes through my being. I know that I was made for that. Panel two is an ever-present and gnawing part of my life. Panel three reminds me of the mercy and grace I've been shown. . . no fault of my own. Panel four is what I look forward to. I stand back and look at the entire painting and see the story into which I've been called. And no matter where I am at that moment in time, the painting ministers to me and gives me much-needed perspective. I see my home in that painting which will now hang prominently in my home. I am reminded that God is. I am reminded that God is at work. I am reminded that God is writing His story.
I woke up this morning and looked once more at the painting Lisa got me. Awesome. Then I walked downstairs to a cup of coffee and the newspaper. . . and Donald Kaul's biting editorial on Charles Colson entitled "Colson was no saint."
I encourage you to read Kaul's bitter and angry piece. Donald Kaul doesn't buy Colson's change. Donald Kaul believes that with his death, Charles Colson got what he deserved. Donald Kaul admittedly breaks his own rules when he concludes, "Generally, I don't believe in speaking ill of the dead. In Colson's case, however, I've made an exception."
This morning I feel sad for Donald Kaul. I wish he could look at David Arms' depiction of the drama of redemption and realize that God is merciful and good. I wish he could see how yes, guys like the Apostle Paul, Charles Colson, and the chiefest of sinners du jour can be called, made over, and transformed in ways that are so miraculous that they do seem unbelievable. I wish that Donald Kaul would ask the story-writer to help him understand the power of THE story.
The great irony of Donald Kaul's piece is that Charles Colson himself would probably agree with the title. No, Colson was a sinner and he knew it. And yes, Colson did receive his final reward. That's the great and glorious irony of life for all of us who have been found by The Shepherd.
2 comments:
Walt,
I greatly admire your tenor and tone. I too found the David Kaul piece to be disheartening. With that said however I've found myself at distance with Colson in recent years. Having to have endured working in a church where many were involved in the "Truth project" and "Centurions" program. These programs did little to engender graceful approaches to the fallen of our world. In fact, from my vantage point, they divided a church, a community, and pitted Christians (fallen but saved) against Non-believers (fallen yet to be saved). I suspect that is why many rejoice (albeit tasteless) in Colson's death.
I suspect the same will happen when James Dobson, Pat Robertson, and others pass on. Those who seemingly exhibit little grace, in spite of getting so much from Jesus, seem to receive any when they depart.
Red Sox Guy. . . I'm with you on that. I have not seen either or those programs, but I do know the spirit of which you speak. Sad when it exists. I think we need to stand firm for the truth, but do so without arrogance or pride.
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