Be holy by Jason G. Lutz

I just love reconnecting with a beloved book.  I have recently reread Brennan Manning’s A Glimpse of Jesus, and once again I am moved.  I tend to lose sight of just how much Brennan’s work has influenced how I think, live, and teach.  Perhaps there is a lesson in this, all that we take into our minds sticks with us for good or bad even when we don’t recognize it… that is for another day.

When asked by a friend, “what do you want on your gravestone?” Brennan replied, “here lies a loving man”.  I know I have borrowed this more than once and I think of it often.  I very much want to be like the joyful Simeon, he who greeted Jesus and His parent at the Temple (Luke 2), in my old age.  Not because I want to see the second coming as much as I want to be a joyful and kindly old man who thanks police officers and tips his hat to pretty girls.  I might be wrong but I see more Holiness in simple Godly joy than accomplishment.

And the pursuit of Holiness is where some like to challenge A Glimpse of Jesus.  Brennan Manning simply refused to put a yoke on those who are under so much strain already.  But those who criticize entirely miss his well stated point.  Holiness is a Grace given by the Father, not something that can be willed by human effort.

So yes, a lapsed divorced alcoholic Catholic priest become evangelist argued Total Depravity and Prime Origin better than the best of Protestant scholarship.  Confidence is coming to the Throne knowing that I am the doubter asking for faith.  Ambition is coming to the Throne saying, “I cannot do Your will though I want to, please help me Father”.  Joy is coming to the Throne realizing that I am not Holy, but You can make me so.