–conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us . . . II Corinthians 7:5b-6a
In John Eldredge’s book, The Beautiful Outlaw he writes about the cunning nature of Jesus during his ministry on earth. It is definitely a characteristic I’ve rarely associated with Christ and one, quite honestly, difficult to apply. My Savior — sly and sneaky? In some ways it is very much so, but in order to fulfill His purpose it was necessary for Him to do the impossible — hated, hunted and hung.
It was the greatest measure of dramatic irony time has ever witnessed. God knew the end of this story, yet everyone, including satan himself, never saw it coming. His cunning nature introduced me to a new aspect of Christ’s person that I had never considered. An aspect of His humanity mixed with the foreknowledge of God unfolded before me Christ — to whom I can say the darndest things!
I know, there seems to be a leap from learning more of His cunning nature to the ability to express myself to Him. But, it’s not so much how unbelievably smart Christ was [is] as much as it’s about how much He understands how scary it is to live on this earth. He knows first-hand about hungry wolves and the sheep they appear to be.
And so, as I pulled into the parking spot, it just rolled off my tongue like He was sitting in the seat next to me. He was near! I spoke to Him a little different than I normally do. I said with a muddled tone, “Bull crap! That’s bull crap and you know it! Right? It’s bull crap right?” And while serious as a heart attack with Him, I paused for a moment and busted out laughing! I just said “bull crap” to my Jesus! And He understood me!
I replayed that moment in my head over and over throughout the day. I had thoughts of whether it was the right thing to say to Him, should I have said it different, and why would I even ask Him that question. But then He reminded me that I wasn’t the first person to ever talk with Him like that — the disciple who denied Him and the disciple who betrayed Him said it in much different contexts as well. The text is not the same, but the meaning certainly is.
Why do I mention these things? It’s to remind me of the Comforter in Him. He gets me! Just like I am! He knows my circumstances and I can be honest with Him, real with Him, expressive with Him as He comforts me and I take refuge in Him!
Lord Jesus, thank you for allowing me to be me with you! In those moments of shedding facades and becoming vulnerable, show me the path you’ve paved for me and continue to give me wisdom as I step with you!
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Psalm 4:11-12