Kim and I went on a date tonight. And Lilly tagged along! We went to a reception for the State Theatre, then to the final dress rehearsal for Scrooge The Musical. I’m not going to give away any spoilers, but you need to go see this show! We had a fun night, got to see some old friends, and enjoyed a night of musical theater in one of the best venues around.
I was pretty tired tonight, sitting slumped in my chair with the lights down low…I wasn’t familiar with the music, but I know the story pretty well. But as the show progressed something clicked in me. I began to feel the tears welling hot in my eyes. My chest felt tight. Out of nowhere a lump appeared in my throat, and I couldn’t swallow it away.
As Scrooge walked through his one night transformation, I realized that it’s that particular piece of the story that kills me. It’s Belle, then Beast experiencing a change in heart (and character), Ebenezer discovering a path to redemption, Jean Valjean being transformed into a new and godly man…even the Grinch, whose heart grew three times in size that day…
I love stories of transformation–dying to the old way of life, experiencing new birth, a fundamental life-giving, life-altering change.
Those story lines appeal to me because I need that in my life. I’ve been a follower of Jesus since I was 15. Almost 30 years later I realize that I am still hungry for more, desiring something deeper, looking and longing for a fresh touch from God. Should I be surprised that there is still more work to be done?
The Good News is that transformation is possible. It doesn’t happen because we decide to turn over a new leaf. This involves neither magic nor a rededication to being a decent moral human being. Only Jesus can bring the freedom, the transformation, the HOPE that we need.
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