.jpg)
The famous Charles Dickens novel “Oliver Twist” portrays the struggle between good and evil through the life of a boy named Oliver. Born illegitimately, but of genteel lineage, the innocent and orphaned boy becomes trapped in a world with few options. From a cruel workhouse to Fagin’s gang, he seems destined for prison and an early death. However, in a series of fortuitous circumstances, Oliver is eventually restored to his rightful inheritance.
We, like Oliver, have a similar story. Once separated from our true Benefactor and Creator, we were lost and without hope in a dark and sinful world. Our sins separated us from our Father. Aware of the toll that our sin-marred condition was having upon us, our heavenly Father sought us when we were far from Him. Foretelling His plans to rescue us through our Savior, Jesus Christ, God proclaimed through the prophet Isaiah:
“Comfort, Comfort My people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, her sin has been paid for” (Isaiah 40:1-3).
He goes on to say:
“Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth, everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory” (Isaiah 43:6-7).
We have lived as unloved orphans, trying to cope with life disconnected from our Maker. Wounded by other broken people, we have searched for significance, love and identity in the wrong places. Dominated by our selfish desires, lie-based beliefs and prideful inclinations, we have suffered the regret of living for a false purpose, our own glory.
Jesus died to rescue us from the poverty and ruin of sin and self. Hear His voice call you to come to Him. He longs to lift you from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you. Take your eyes off of yourself and fix them on Jesus. He will restore you into your rightful inheritance, experiencing His intimate love and saving power in your life for the glory of your Father’s name.
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
1 John 3:1
