Could you love this bastard child?

Its a provocative song--but its probably one of the best songs I've ever heard. Derek Webb's "Wedding Dress." Its an honest question though. One that I ask myself. How could the God of the Universe want anything to do with me? I don't say that to sound humble or to garner pity. Its just honesty. I am a prideful, bumbling attempt at being a follower of Jesus. I am always open to learn. And always trying... but I fail. I don't see it as weakness. I see it as being human. I see it as part of the process.

Later on in the song, Webb says: "I am a whore, I do confess. I put you on, just like a wedding dress, and I run down the aisle." Wow. Its interesting in the New Testament that Jesus uses the illustration of sex to paint the picture of the relationship he wants with us. Not that our relationship with God is sexual in nature at all! But its this closeness. So close, that the two are one. One is in the other. Its so special, its sacred. Beyond anything our mind can really describe. Sex--this is the image Jesus uses.

In the Old Testament, it says things like "Abraham knew Sarah and she bore a son, Isaac..." So what happened when he KNEW her? They had a kid. That's funny on the surface. But this word know, was used for expressing two people becoming one physically, sexually. Knowing someone was the most intimate thing two could share.

Back to the New Testament... the Bible talks about at the final judgement, humanity will be addressed individually. Each person will hear one of two things: A) "Well done, my good and faithful servant"; or B) "Depart. I don't know you." Wow, again. First of all, there's no "You were a good person. Come on in." See, Jesus doesn't grade on a curve. 100% is an A. 99% is failing. That's a high standard--a serious line in the sand, if you will. But that second thing. The whole "I don't know you." Jesus doesn't turn people away for being "bad" people. He doesn't turn people away for things they've done. He turns them away if he doesn't know them.

This whole "knowing" thing is rocking my world right now. God accepts me as I am--failures, baggage, addictions, questions, doubts and all. And he wants to know me... intimately. Completely. Always. I don't understand why... why love someone like me. I don't understand how...after all the mistakes and screw-ups. But, using sexual metaphors, he says: "I want to know you. I want you to know me." That's how close it should be.

It just gives me hope at the end of the day.
If God loves me, surely there's hope for us all.