We left off with Chris comparing us to birds stuck in a cage. We purchased some snacks and continued the last of the conversation.
After we enjoyed our coffee and snacks, Katie questioned: “How does God both love and judge at the same time?”
A Visit to the Doctor
Chris replied, “Many people wonder the same and get confused by this, but the love of God is in complete harmony with His judgement. For example, suppose you have health issues. You go to your doctor and expect an honest assessment of your health. Instead, he tells you that you are perfectly healthy and assures you not to be concerned.
However, with his knowledge, he knows there is a serious issue that needs to be addressed by a specialist immediately; he says nothing because he doesn’t want to worry you. Wouldn’t that be awful that he didn’t tell you the truth?
As a doctor, he is obligated to tell you the truth about your state of health so that you get proper treatment for a chance to heal.
It is the same when God tells us about our spiritual well-being. Like a doctor, God will examine our lives and give us an honest and righteous “diagnosis” or judgement, if you will.
It is often hard to hear of any health concerns, and it’s like that with our spiritual life also. The proper diagnosis and treatments are necessary for you to be restored spiritually to the same condition mankind once had before Adam’s disobedience. Katie, I hope you understand what I’m trying to explain.”
Katie nodded, “I suppose it does; it definitely makes me rethink my view about God’s judgment.”
A Proper Diagnosis
Chris continued to explain more carefully, “God is love, that is why He points out the ‘rotten spots that decay the whole apple’. He is our righteous Judge, and that is wonderful.
But He is much more than that. He is also the Healer who will heal us from all our diseases and trouble.
Treating the Disease
This is where the Carpenter of Nazareth entered the scene, the person Jesus Christ. As I said before, the Trinity “rolled up their sleeves” to solve the problem of sin. He cleaned up the mess mankind brought upon itself.
Jesus healed the lame, the blind, the sick, and he raised people from the dead. Finally, He went to the cross at Calvary, where He dealt with all sin.
Yours, Katie, and Herman’s, and yours, Jolien.”
Chris paused for a moment and sighed, “and yours, Chris.” Referring to himself.
Everyone pondered that for a little while.
Finally, Chris broke the silence and quoted Isaiah 53:6,
“All we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned, everyone, to his own way. And the Lord has laid on Him, the iniquity of us all.”
A Deep Connection
“There is no greater love found anywhere in the entire universe,” Chris declared, “God’s judgement and His love is demonstrated on the Cross at Calvary through the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Saviour of the world!”
Chris continued, “We all need to pray that God opens our eyes to capture the depth of that scene, 2000 years ago.”
I sensed the presence of a fifth Person among us right there on the train, and He connected all four of us, as we all felt the same presence. The Holy Spirit moved us, and I couldn’t explain it. We were strangers but had a relationship through Him.
I felt moved and uttered a silent prayer in my heart, ‘Thank you, Lord, for what you have shown to me in this hour.’
Jolien remarked, “This is wonderful stuff!”
“I’m glad you stuck around to hear me out”, Chris replied.
WWJD
Then Chris noticed a bracelet with‘ WWJD’ on Jolien’s wrist and asked, “What does that mean?”
“Oh, that’s something new,” Jolien said. “It stands for ‘What Would Jesus Do’, and it reminds me that I should think about what Jesus would do when I’m faced with a difficult situation.”
“I see. Does it help?” Chris asked.
“Sometimes, but I find it difficult to follow an example that has set the bar so high, I already know I will fail,” Jolien replied.
“Oh my dear!” said Chris, “To follow Him and try to imitate Him is like a parrot repeating words, but the parrot has no idea what the words mean.
It is better to remind yourself of ‘What Will Jesus Do’. Let Him work in you, and you will find that He will do it for you. As a result, you will start reaching that impossibly high bar. Way different, right!?”
Jolien smiled and nodded in agreement.
And Then There Were Two
At that moment, the train slowed down and approached the next station in Amersfoort. A beautiful city in the middle of the Netherlands. The two young women stood up to leave. Jolien shook Chris’ hand and smiled big.
“Thank you so much for this conversation!”
“Thank him,” pointing at me, Chris continued, “He started it. A bit awkward, but we had a good hour together.”
“Indeed!” agreed Katie.
Looking out the window, I saw that the girls now on the platform embraced each other. Chris and I were happy to see the two young women continuing their life journey.
Now that Chris and I were alone, I felt that I could ask him a personal question, something I had struggled with for a long time.
“My wife and I gave our lives to Jesus, and we want to be used by God for His purpose,” I started.
Chris looked at me and told me that it certainly was a noble thing to do, but he had a different view on the word “use.”
“Do you have any kids?” he asked.
“I have four.”
“That’s great!” he continued, “Would it be appropriate for you and your wife to be excited for your kids to grow up so you can ‘use’ them for your good? Certainly not! You don’t ‘use’ your kids, but you have a relationship with them as they grow up.
You teach them what is right and wrong. Sometimes they disagree, or they disobey because they don’t like it. But as they grow more mature, they will look back and thank you for what you’ve taught them. You have a full relationship with them based on love.
You will not be ‘used’ by God; He is our Father. It is a family relationship.
Religion and politics want to use you for their programs and ideas. But, keep in mind that Jesus was never part of any religious or political movement,” Chris smiled.
Again, the train slowed down and approached another station. I politely excused myself to use the washroom.
Last Stop: Emmen
When I returned to my seat, Chris was gone, but he left a little note that read;
“Thank you so much for this opportunity, I wish I could stay longer, but this was my stop. It was a real pleasure. Love, Chris”
Amazed, I sat down—one more stretch. I leaned back, recalling the last hour and the new ‘scenery’ explored. We saw mountain tops and valleys. I learned a lot.
I almost forgot why I took the train in the first place, the job interview. I never did take that job, but it was worth the trip 100%.
Once I arrived at my destination in Emmen, my wife met me at the station to pick me up. She listened with excitement as I shared with her all that had happened that day.
Some people ask me, “Herman, is this a true story?”
With which I reply,
“Absolutely, it’s just not real.”
God bless you all!