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Paul’s many
geographical journeys were minor compared to his spiritual odyssey. In
the first accounts of Paul, he "consented to [Steven’s] death"
(Acts 8:1); he "made havock of the church" (Acts 8:3); he was
"breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the
Lord." (Acts 9:1)
Then Paul’s life was transformed to the point that, on his final trip
to Rome, he made reference to "God, whose I am, and whom I serve."
(Acts 27:23) My misdeeds have not been as severe as Paul’s. Yet I have
consented amiss and there has been havoc. Paul invited me to use his
life as "a pattern." (1 Timothy 1:16) What was pivotal in Paul’s
transformation? He summarized with laser precision, "This one thing I
do." That one thing was to forget the past and reach for the future,
to his high calling of God.
But I have accepted as fact that my past defines my present and
determines my future. I have accepted the role of victim. Paul says to
forget the past. Yet if the past does not determine my present, what
does? Paul’s answer is astonishing. He says the future can
determine the present! I am to be "reaching forth unto those things
which are before." A vision of possibilities and destiny can
become more powerful than the verdict of the past. |
First I am to forget, but how? Job describes an intriguing analogy.
"Forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away." (Job
11:16) I know waters. Mesmerized, I have watched a turbulent stream
transport a leaf until it disappears from view. I have known the power
of mighty rivers driving boats over rapids and cataracts. I have known
the futility of rowing against currents and torrents.
Job counsels me to employ rushing waters in my forgetfulness. He
suggests I can bathe in cascading waters that wash miseries from my soul
and transport them into an ocean of forgetfulness. In my moments of
meditation, rushing waters can flow through my mind and body, eroding
the debris, releasing the past. I can banish misery and memories into
waters that tumble away. I can greet each moment as a bright and
untarnished gift untouched by the past. I can reach for my "high
calling of God." |