One of my favorite books was written by Brennan Manning several years ago. It is entitled, “The Ragamuffin Gospel.”
In the book’s introduction, he points out that his book, and I also point out, the Gospel, is for, “the wobbly and weak-kneed who know they don’t have it all together. It is for inconsistent, unsteady disciples whose cheese is falling off their cracker. It is for poor, weak, sinful men and women with limited talents. It is for earthen vessels who shuffle along on feet of clay.
“It is for the bent and the bruised who feel that their lives are a grave disappointment to God. It is for smart people who know they are stupid - - and honest disciples who admit they are scallywags.”
I don’t know about you, but that sure gives me hope today because so often, my cheese is falling off the cracker. I feel bent and bruised and, sometimes, I feel like a big disappointment to God. But there is hope for us. Don’t give up. That is the good news of our faith.
The great old hymn has the words, “Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind, all I need in Thee to find.”
I am so thankful today for grace, for mercy, for the good news of the Gospel of Christ.