A Dead Dog

(Inspired by Mephibosheth and King David. 2 Samuel 9)

The rain pelted the windowpane as I sat gazing out through the haze

Wondering if this would be the day

The day I would be found

The day I would be condemned

The day that my shadows would be brought into the open

The storm raged on without a care to my depression

In the light of the storm, my deformities were laid bare

Crippled by my lust

My anger

My fear

My pride

My sin

I was an enemy of the King, a fugitive hiding from the Truth

A run away trying to find shelter from the Omnipotent

I was Jonah looking for my way out

I was Peter denying the reality staring me in the face

I was Paul fighting for the wrong side

I lifted my eyes to the hills, Where does my help come from?

“Come salvation. Save me.”

A knock came.

The lights were turned on.

A voice spoke.

“Come, you who are the enemy, who have been running away, who have been burdened, who are crippled by your sins and infirmities, gather yourself and your belongings.

The King wishes to speak to you.”

The time had come.

Judgment was upon me.

No turning back.

Escorted into his presence by the voice, I fell to the floor in fear.

My shame weighed heavy on me.

My eyes could not meet his gaze.

Like the raindrops of the storm, tears flooded my face and clumped into a puddle.

An embodiment of my self loathing.

“I am your servant, King”

Silence.

Was he preparing his assault?

My execution?

He spoke

“Child,”

“I am not here to harm you. Lift up your eyes.”

There He stood, robed in majesty, as I heard so often.

Could it be?

Had salvation come?

“Because of my Son, I am here to offer you grace and mercy. To bless you as my heir. To heal your diseases. To become a part of my family.”

Disbelief.

Shame.

Why me?

I’m crippled

Ruined.

I didn’t deserve this.

“What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”

He picked me up.

“From now on, you will eat in my presence. Drink from my cup. Taste living water. Experience eternal life.”

Salvation had come.

Grace had come.

Judgment had not come.

Love had.

Love conquered the storm.

Crippled I am but for a short time

Saved I will always be.

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“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10)