Redemption

J and I celebrated our unofficial 5 month anniversary with lunch, a movie, and a little shopping afterwards.  We  had a great extended date (5 hours!) ;o)  I felt that God was with us during those precious hours that we spent together.  I felt a certain peace and joy in my heart, and was aware of the gratefulness that welled up like a spring inside me.  I was appreciative of the nice restaurant that we got to eat at, the delicious food we were served, the beauty of downtown Vancouver, and the comfort of being able to sit in a big movie theatre to enjoy well, movies ;o)

We saw the movie "Changeling", starring Angelina Jolie, directed by Clint Eastwood.  It was about a young mother, whose 9 year old son disappeared one day while she was at work.  After 5 months, the LAPD claimed to have found her son but when he was returned home on the train, the mother insisted that it wasn't her son who was returned.  The story continue, and the corruption of the LAPD was revealed.  The chilling tale of a serial killer who kidnapped and killed 20 or so young boys during that time was also part of the movie plot line.  I won't tell you everything that happened partly because I don't want to ruin the movie for you (go watch it, it's sooo good!) and partly because I'm too lazy ;oP  But in the end, the young mother fought long and hard and justice that had not been around for a long time, was served.  

While watching the movie, I was suddenly struck by the thought that God really DOES redeem!  Before we were even before (as this movie is based on a true story that happened in the 1920's) the people (made in the image of God, who is good and just) were already working hard to unveil the corrupt and fight for the better.  God had already been working, is working, and will always be working towards creating peace between all people.  This reminded me of the sermon Glen preached the week before, about how there doesn't have to be war for there to be no peace.  Strained relationships, hostile actions, and anywhere where there is very little love between people, there is no peace.  So almost a century ago, something spectacular happened.  A woman fought for there to be justice and goodness, and it happened so!  I was reminded that we are all part of a bigger story, and we are constantly and always working towards creating God's Kingdom here on earth.

God's redemptive work happens everywhere, anywhere, and anytime.  God, I suspect, is not limited to time.  He works outside of time, constantly empowering his children to build a better world.  And I feel that God is working in me to.  Even though I'm a sinner, I am noticing more of the fruits of the spirit growing in my heart.  Yes, I am being transformed, albeit slowly.  And though sometimes I do steps backwards and fall off the wagon, I remember the words of Paul, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"  I remember this and I am encouraged, refreshed, and ready to live a new life, for God!