The story goes of a tadpole floating in a pond, when he looks up and sees a
frog sitting on dry land. At first he wonders what the frog is, but seems more
amazed that the frog is not in the water. So the two start talking, where the
tadpole is told by the frog that he used to be like him. That he too was once
restricted to water because of his tadpole condition, but one day a change came
over him, and today he is a frog. And he can go on dry land, because of this
change. And dry feels good-you can bask in the sun and get warm, and a whole
new world he never knew about existed.
But then it was the tadpole's turn. "Tell me about this change," and what
do I have to do to be able to get out of the water, and into the kingdom of
dry?" The frog paused for a moment, not sure of how to explain it, but then the
words came to him. "You must go through a change, one that I cannot explain-it
is very personal. Your appearance will change, like mine, but it is an inner
change. You lose some of you, like your tail, but you gain a new freedom. You
can get out of the water, and onto dry land. But you cannot do it until you are
changed. You must be born again to inherit the kingdom of dry."
Many of us were once like the tadpole, stuck in a pond. But then we came
to Jesus, our hearts were born again, and we began to experience the freedom in
Christ. Before where we thought our world was it, we found there was something
new and exciting in Christ. We could go wherever we desired, not restricted by
laws, or sin. A freedom we could not explain, a dry land where we could expand
our horizons, where we could experience all God has for us, not just our
environment. But without the inner change, that only God can provide, when the
spirit dwells in us, can we experience this freedom.
I was talking with a friend, whose wife is having severe emotional
problems. And it is taking a toll on their marriage. He is just as guilty as
he has become passive. She rules the home, a lesson here for all. Both have
been born again, but behave like the tadpole, stuck in their situation. God
offers ways out, but they are his ways, not ours. They are getting transferred,
and they think a change of environment will be the answer. She is happy now, so
he is happy. Based on emotions and situations, not on God. Yet they remain the
same, unwilling to change. Ever notice in the doctor's office all the sick
people, it is not the office that cures you. If so, we would have one in our
homes.
When Jesus tells us to pick up our cross, and follow Him, we have to put
down something before we pick up our cross. We have to lay down our burdens,
trust Him, then follow Him. His love is not dependent on environment, and loved
us while we were still sinners. Just like the tadpole theta changes, God loves
us where we are, and wants to change us. We just need to let Him-one of the key
ingredients of grace. We are saved by grace, but how many us didn't want to
change and rejected it. Only when we let Jesus into our hearts were we born
again.
And to those who don't see miracles, God hasn't stopped. You stopped
obeying. They happen out there small and large all the time-put down whatever
you are carrying and again-pick up your cross. It is at the cross the victory
was won-never lose sight of it.
The choice is yours-stay a tadpole, or become a frog. Jesus puts it
simpler-you must be born again to inherit the kingdom of God. Will you pray
with me now-"thy kingdom come, thy will be done," as Jesus directs, and watch as
the miracles begin, or better yet as you begin to notice them. Jesus' love is
the first miracle, the second is your becoming born again. Find that old cross
you laid down, and pick it up and follow Jesus today. Wherever He
leads-follow. The pond or problem you are stuck in will require a new direction
to escape it. He tells us He is the way, the truth, and the life. Nothing
else you follow will get you to heaven.
Whether you are stuck in a pond, or stuck in a situation, look to the
cross-pick up your cross and follow Jesus. Out of obedience, and fully enjoy
the love He offers. It may not be easy, the road may be rough. But isn't that
why you have a suspension on your motorcycle-to smooth out the bumps? Follow
Jesus no matter the route, and experience the kingdom of God. Firsthand. Good
advice from someone who was changed, just ask the frog. You have now been told
the truth. Now, what's your excuse?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com