I decided to light a few candles during my devotional time this morning. Today I chose to use the ACTS model for prayer: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. During the Confession time, I wrote my “vices” on the inside of a matchbook and then tore off the tiny strips and put them in the flames of a votive candle that was almost empty of wax. I watched in fascination as the single flame split into two flames that were joined by a gentle curve at their base. Each flame danced and moved, one growing larger while the other decreased. It was quite fascinating and I pondered the burnt offering and how life and light fed off the sacrifice, consuming it into ashes. It was a divine moment.
And then….I heard a loud CRACK….
I guess I should have had a coaster under that sacrifice. The initial crack was not that long, but slowly spread until it reached the edge. I'll probably lose that corner of 1/4" glass.
As I pondered this unfortunate event in the glass of my table, I wondered if I really understood the danger involved in confession. Seriously now; standing in the presence of the Divine, I confess my sin, both general and specific, and then have a sanitized expectation of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness. I think we imagine confession much like saying, "I'm sorry" and then receiving a Fatherly pat on the head of "It's okay, go and sin no more."
Maybe that loud crack is more representative of confession and forgiveness--a shock to my being, perhaps much like the ripping of the Temple curtain from top to bottom (Mk 15:37-38). I stared at that crack in astonishment! Did the Jews stare at the torn curtain in astonishment and fear? I can only imagine.
Seriously now; I stand in the presence of the Divine (AMAZING!), confess my sin (and don't die immediately-INCREDIBLE!), and God, with a holy and gentle CRACK that is heard throughout the spiritual realm (ASTONISHING!) states, "Child, you are FORGIVEN." This is not an event that should be taken lightly nor be sanitized--this is a dangerous revelation of God's character; LOVE. Love that will not tolerate nor exist alongside sin.
And those cracks made in MY character continue to spread so that those unholy pieces of my being fall off and are gently replaced with the character of God.
May we all be aware of the danger of burnt offerings.
