Mending the broken.

I decided to tackle some repairs on our driveway. Apparently, it has been a while since maintenance has been done to the asphalt and a multitude of cracks and divots are evident. Cracks in macadam are a death knell if not addressed. Rain and snow come down; water seeps into the cracks and softens the fill underneath. In winter, the water freezes and heaves the blacktop upward creating more cracks and crevices. As temperatures warm, the surface sinks back down. Over a period of time, this heaving and sinking tend to weaken and reduce the structural integrity of the driveway. My task will include filling the damaged areas with rubberized material, bagged amesite, and then a fresh coat of driveway sealer. It is a dirty job. It is a picture of how Jesus enters our broken chaos. He mends and renews.

Our life is much like a driveway or highway. We deal with fissures and potholes and things become more tough to handle. We weather so many storms and deal with great loss. Our heart crushes inward and our mind begins to disintegrate. The ability to defend our soul and faith is diminished. We need help. We need mending. We need a caretaker. A cry of our heart sets into motion the great healer and mender of souls --- Jesus. He replies with instruction for us to be careful and to be ready.

He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. “I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:29-36, NIV)

The timing of this piece of scripture most likely occurred during Jesus' last week on earth. He was talking about end of the age events. He spoke of the Son of Man returning the second time. He spoke of fiery trials and persecution. He affirmed suffering to be a major part of this tumultuous time. He also spoke of the Son of Man bringing protection, peace, and healing for the broken. Those of us who have painful cracks in our souls, damage that has been caused by sin and the sins of others, are to remain steadfast and alert.

It is time to inspect our hearts and minds and identify those structural deficits and places where sin has crept in to undermine and dissolve our faith. Allow Jesus to fill in the crevices. Give Jesus full reign in our hearts and let him cover us with a fresh new robe of protection which brings peace, even in the midst of daily chaos.