Magdalena Today

The Bible clearly speaks of God's love: "This is how much God loved the world: He gave His Son, His one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life" (John 3:16, The Message). God doesn't love us because we are lovable. The essence of His very being is love. He can't help but love us, since He is love.

Undoubtedly most people don't experience this love. We are riddled with doubts and questions. I don't know if there is God, and if there is, does He know I exist? Does He see me? Hear me? Does He even care? In "Magdalena: Released From Shame," Rivka states "Perhaps God Almighty would love a holy man, but not someone like me."

These feelings result not from a lack of God's love and healing, nor the absence of His compassion and forgiveness. Rather, our stubborn determination to go our own way, doing what is right in our own eyes, keeps us from experiencing His presence and love. Sometimes this stubborn determination comes across as outright rebellion. Other times it is less overt. On the outside we may appear to comply, but on the inside we are as dogged as ever to get what we want, when we want it.

Nevertheless, God loves us still. "Return, return to Me!" is the word God wanted us to hear, but people ignored them. Finally, in what may appear a last-ditch attempt to save straying humanity, God gave His all. He sent His very best – His dear Son. He became a man, Jesus from Nazareth. He lived like no one else ever lived. He never did anything wrong in God's eyes! Then, He was betrayed, falsely accused, crucified and buried. It made no sense at all! But, the third day after His death, some women saw Him alive. His tomb was empty. His tomb IS empty! Many more saw with their own eyes that He was alive. He is alive today, as alive as He was on that morning when the women were greeted by the words of angels: "Why are you looking for the Living One among the dead?"

So today He is right here. How do I respond to such a God? What do I say to Him? Here I am – unraveled, confused, tired and defeated. Here I am – fallen, broken, beyond repair. I want to come, help me come to You. Take me, Jesus. Make me again. I don't know how, but take me, make me into what You see. I am Yours.