Finally a theme "The Ransom from Heaven"

Well it finally was revealed to me this afternoon. The theme that is. We've all heard about the young woman who has her entire wedding planned decades prior to having even met a husband prospect. I suspect that some Rectors or Rectoress' have similar experiences. The whole weekend planned far ahead of when they're called; a particular scripture, a favorite song, their "dream team". That wasn't me. I simply told James not to let a weekend pass because no one would come forward; Since I had met the minimum qualifications I would serve if no one else was willing. I expected to wait some time before I was selected. Have a few month or even years to make the plans...........

As I wrote earlier the really cool aspect to me of working a weekend is being able to actually see God work. To be a tool in the Creator's hand. I've begun to see that far before the actual weekend begins. The scripture was revealed to me through a blog that I subscribe to; a pastor named John Fischer writes daily a piece entitled "The Catch of the Day. He sent this out on May 22nd:

"The preposterously Good News
by John Fischer

I have some really good news for everyone today, but it's not just good news; it's preposterously Good News.

"I, the Lord, made you, and will not forget to help you. I have swept away your sins like the morning mists. I have scattered your offenses like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free." (Isaiah 44:21-22)

Here it is: God forgave us first; then He invites us home.

It could just as easily have been: Return to me and I will forgive your sins. That would have been remarkable enough. But instead, it's: Come home because you've already been forgiven.

This was precisely the case for the prodigal son. He was forgiven before he ever reached the front driveway. That's why his old man was running to meet him. There was no discussion. No lesson. No: "I hope you learned your lesson." He needn't even ask for forgiveness, for it had already been granted.

This is our message to the world: You have already been forgiven, so come home. Christ has already paid the price to set you free. He has removed the barrier between God and us. How can anyone resist so great a love? No wonder Paul calls it Good News. Can you imagine anything better when it comes to God and our sin?

We know we are guilty. Our consciences tell us that. We know the demands of the law. We have the commandments for that, and we aren't doing very well by them. We know that if we mess up in just one thing, we are charged with breaking the whole law. God does not grade on the curve. Instead, He offers us a blanket pardon -- the only thing that could ever save us.

"Oh, return to me, for I have [already] paid the price to set you free."

Preposterous, isn't it?"

I wanted to make sure that his thoughts were transmitted in it's entirety so as to not compromise his messege. To subscribe go to www.fischtank.com.

This afternoon while singing along with the car stereo the theme song Jesus Messiah by Chris Tomlin the phrase "The ransom from Heaven" leaped out at me. Even though I've sung it dozens of times in the past (and not all that well if you ask anyone next to me while I was singing),

The same has happened with inside team members. I'll go through the listings and a name will jump out at me, so I call and the brother's reply is "sure, what to you want me to do?", I'm getting really encouraged as there are only 10 positions yet to fill.
Thank you Jesus for letting me be a part of this!