Clearing Skeletons from the Closet

Have you ever dramatically - and uncomfortably - changed a conversation's tone or topic by mentioning an absent family member; unaware of their illness or recent death? Or maybe you've unwittingly triggered memories of painful, shameful events or reactions.

Conversely, you could be the 'skeleton in the closet,' because of refusal to forgive, or refusal to change. So... where to from here?

The bible opens new dimensions of answers from God's perspective. And Psalm 99 - right in the middle - clearly lists God's awesome power, status, authority, glory, justice and forgiveness. It also lists four contrasting Jewish heroes: Moses, Aaron, Samuel and Jacob.

An Egyptian princess saved Moses from death at infancy, raising him in royal privilege under the nose of her murderous, fearful Pharaoh father (God's sense of humour at work?) Years later, Moses introduced the Jewish law - his elder brother Aaron becoming high priest - so they could learn to relate with God through worship.

Samuel's birth was saturated in Hannah's prayers, and she expressed her thanks to God by offering him to be raised as a priest from boyhood.

Three noble examples, plus Jacob: a serial cheat and scam artist. Only microbiologists could say if lower forms of life exist, for Jacob stooped to secure his own brother's inheritance by deceiving his dying father!

Yet Jacob had a one-on-one with God that completely transformed him and caused a name change: from Jacob - the cheat; to Isra-El* - the prince of God!

For God's love releases new possibilities for anyone.

Isn't that Good News!

Noel Mitaxa