FLASHBACK: LAYING on my BACK

Flashback: I was laying on my back in the prison yard on top of a steel, bolted  down, picnic table. My arms were outstretched, like a cross, and I was meditating on the passage of Scripture that God placed into my soul this AM.  “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). ‘Be Still and Know’ I kept uttering in my mind, over and over again.  And the more I dwelled on this commandment, the more I realized that it is in fact an enablement.  IT enabled me to receive peace. IT empowered me to see purpose. IT employed me to desire service.  IT engaged me into obedient stillness.  I heard clearly God’s voice as it was coupled with my agreement, “Be Still, and know that I am God.”How could I give room to the suggestions of the world about where I currently reside?  They say, “Thrown away,”  I say, “No way.”  I never had such clarity when of the world and its ways; and I know confidently that God already saw me laying down in this position and place, through the lens of the cross, before the foundations of the world.  He makes no mistakes.  He sent His Son to save me, that I may help save others. My mission statement is no secret and it has been in this stillness that I’ve received it.As I was laying on my back in the prison yard, on a steel, bolted down picnic table and my arms outstretched, I imagined Jesus on the cross.  Mistake not, for the nails had nothing to do with Him remaining in that position. He allowed the nails to penetrate Him in order to keep them from me; and further, it was His love that kept Him there in place of me.  A biblical theologian would academically call this “propitiation.” I understand that too, but a radical Christian experientially responds to this with unparalleled appreciation.  “Be still, and know that I sent My Son to die for you.”  “Be still, and know that you are forgiven.”  “Be still and know that I’ve set you free from condemnation.”  “Be still and know that you are exactly where I want you to be.  And this is exactly what I wanted you to see.”  “Be still, My son, be still.”I was laying on my back in the prison yard under the glory of the Son.  And with my arms outstretched like a cross, I knew that I was right where I needed to be; and nobody can tell me that I’m not free!