Redeemed from the Ashes: Embracing Our True Worth in the Light of the Gospel (01/15/'24)

Redeemed from the Ashes: Embracing Our True Worth in the Light of the Gospel In the humbling shadow of the cross, we find the profound truth of our existence. Just as flies and bedbugs are drawn to waste, our human flaws and failings often seem to define us. Yet, in the Gospel, we are reminded that our worth is not measured by our shortcomings or the material waste of this world. In Ezekiel 4:15, where it is said, 'You may bake your bread with cow dung instead of human dung,' we encounter a profound metaphor. Cow dung, in many cultures, is seen as having practical uses, such as fuel or fertilizer, unlike human waste which is typically viewed as purely unclean. This substitution in the scripture symbolizes how God's grace can transform what is deemed lowly or unclean into something useful and sustaining. Every word we write, every action we take, can be an offering of grace when aligned with the divine message of the Gospel. Just as the prophet Ezekiel was called to symbolically use what is considered lowly for sustenance, so are we called to transform our basest elements into nourishment for our spiritual journey. In this journey, what we discard as waste becomes a testament to our growth, and what remains is the essence of our true selves, cherished and valued beyond measure in Christ. -Pastor Steven G. Lee (January 15, 2024)