946 Just As I Am

The believer can have full confidence in God’s promises. Promises that are true, faithful, and unchanging. All authority and pardoning mercy come together in Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords. The Christian can live free from a guilty conscience, soul purified, pardoned, and cleansed. Jesus showed man how to live in perfect holiness. He fulfilled His life purpose with His entire being. He is the perfect example for mankind. The child of God can trust His pardoning mercy to fulfill His life purpose with everything He is. Humankind is fallible, imperfect, broken—cracked and fractured. When one makes the decision to follow Jesus, he becomes a priceless treasure to God.

There is an old Japanese tale about a young prince, Kintsukuroi. His father, the emperor, was hosting a great banquet to show off his most prized possession, a beautiful bowl. He was greatly saddened when he discovered that it had been broken into many pieces and could not be shown. That night there was a loud commotion in the kingdom. A thief, unrecognized, dirty, and scarred, had stolen the bowl and run toward the prince’s apartments with it. The emperor was silent. Sad, but not angry, his face etched with agony and compassion. Eventually he ordered his ministers to leave the prince alone. “If he is ready to rule, he must be allowed to act. His will and my will are as one.” The next day, as the ministers were preparing for the guests, they found the prized bowl back in place. But it was different now. Veins of gold replacing the cracks and brokenness. It had become a magnificent piece, a glorious piece. A brilliant piece with a beauty far surpassing the original one. The emperor viewed his son’s crown, now merely a simple band; a crown sacrificed to give glory to another. His hands scarred. The emperor understood. Yes, the prince was worthy to rule. He embodied power and authority. The Japanese art of Kintsugi means to repair with gold, understanding that the piece becomes more beautiful for having been broken. This is the story of our life when we come to Jesus with broken hearts and shattered souls.

Are you broken? Have you experienced the Lord’s scarred hands healing you? Has Jesus restored the broken pieces of your life with His glory? Jesus is right here right now. He wants you to give Him your brokenness so He can make it beautiful. He wants to heal your broken heart, bind up your wounds. “Just as I am, Thou wilt receive wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve.”