It was very nice to go out on our bikes again. They did not miss a beat and took us there as though we'd been riding every week. And as usual we stopped at Azurea Cafe for a cuppa before returning. But not before Barb read aloud right through one book. Admittedly a small one but worth listening to on self-forgiveness by Timothy Keller. Very good for our souls to be reminded, from a foundational Christian perspective, how the celestial court has been adjourned and shut down. We won't be called to the dock. Making a defense for ourselves before God's assessment of our lives is a wasted thought, wasted worry, and a useless theological argument. Because unless Jesus has paid the penalty for humanity, for the world, we are out, out of the family of God, out of the kingdom of God, removed from God. Something amazing had to have happened 2000 years ago for this to be so. We act out of love and service because of Jesus' defense of us not the other way round, such as trying to earn acceptance before God, doing good stuff, getting in on the strength of our so called purity, generosity or suffering. Hey, our bike ride involved a helpful theological reading leading to our discussion about it that lasted quite a time. A divine moment no doubt. A special morning in our lives.
