Desmond is our three-year-old grandson. He is everything a three-year-old boy should be. I experienced the unconstrained reality of this over the extended Thanksgiving weekend. Particularly when Desmond and his four-year-old cousin, Graham, are together. Rough and tumble doesn’t quite cover it.
With both of these young men I’ve observed a growing fascination with super-heroes and an increased sensitivity to the things of God. I’m not sure what to make of this combination, but a sense of wonder and awe is something I applaud.
On Sunday, after Desmond returned to his home in downtown Denver, he made a declaration, combined with an honest confession to our daughter, Alli. He simply said: “Jesus is in my heart, but I don’t know what He’s doing there.”
Laughter turned to reflection as I pondered the power of Desmond’s insight. Yes, I praise God for His redemptive presence and power in my soul. I have been bought with a price. But Jesus is not content to simply and safely reside in my soul; nor should He be. Not only am I saved from my sin; I am saved to faithfully serve and sacrifice.
The question that has continued to stick in my heart and mind is beautifully articulated by a three-year-old… “What is Jesus doing in my heart?” What is He stirring and shaping and changing. His intent is clear. Complete transformation. Life from death. Hope from despair.
As we enter this month of Advent, I am profoundly convicted that we honor the condescending love of Jesus by not simply embracing Him, but by extending Him.
He is the lover of my soul and the propelling force in my mission. He is my friend and He is my King.
Yet, the most honest answer is that I am not, nor will I ever be, fully sure of what He is doing in my heart. He and He alone knows and understands what needs to be done in my heart. But like Desmond, I’ll confess my ignorance and embrace with confidence that whatever Jesus does is good.
What is Jesus doing in my heart? What is He doing in yours?
He is not content to be held captive inside the confines of my fear or arrogance or need for control.
It is His love that controls me, not vice versa.
From the lips of a three-year-old. Unleashed by God’s Spirit.
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