His Name Isn't Edgar, but God Knows Who He is

Read: Romans 5:6-11

Once again, I thought of him. An acquaintance who comes to mind now and again. For this writing, I will call him Edgar which isn't his name. I'm using that name for two reasons. First, I have never known anyone named Edgar, and second, I don't have permission to tell even the little bit I do know about this gentleman; so, I won't use his real name. When I think of Edgar, I am reminded that those who don't yet belong to Jesus--as far as we can humanly discern-often display a bit of what the Savior is like. Even if they are not yet aware of it.

That thought came to mind one day when Edgar and I were making small talk. You see, he loves dogs, and he was talking about how people sometimes harm them or abandon them. As he spoke, I could tell that this really made him feel bad. It isn't mere talk with Edgar either. He helps at a facility that cares for animals, and he has even brought home some of the injured or abandoned creatures. Hearing about Edgar's affection for the animals triggered a thought in my head that day. If only he knew that his heart toward the helpless creatures and his acting on their behalf demonstrates in a tiny way what we know about our Rescuer and Redeemer, Jesus.

I know that all analogies have their limitations; so, please know that I am in no way comparing people who are made in God's image to animals, Genesis 1:26-27. Rather that Edgar's heart that longs to help dogs who can't get rescued or get healed on their own pictures, if only in a minuscule way, the love of God. The God Whose love was the reason that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, John 3:16. The Savior Whom we celebrate each year at Christmas. Even though some who hang lights don't yet know the Light of the world, John 8:12. The One we celebrate at Easter. Even though some who color eggs don't yet know that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, John 11:25-26.

If Edgar could only understand that human beings like him and me are infinitely more helpless than the dogs he loves. If only Edgar could know that God's heart toward him is infinitely more tender toward him than his heart is toward the creatures he helps. No wonder Matthew tells us that Jesus saw the crowd around Him, not as an annoyance but rather as helpless sheep who had no shepherd to care for them, Matthew 9:35-38.

Perhaps it is hard for people to understand a picture like this because as they look around, the people they see don't particularly look helpless or like they need saving at all. I know that there was a time that, like Edgar, I didn't know that I needed to be rescued. Even in a church, folks are often dressed nicely and come in wearing a smile.

Until we look into the Bible for God's assessment, it might even appear that we're doing okay; so, let's look at a short passage in Romans 5:6-11 in order to be reminded that each of us needs to be rescued. In these short verses, our inability to rescue ourselves from sin is highlighted. We are described here as powerless sinners who cannot do anything to bridge the gap between ourselves and God. We are described as those who whether or not we know it, are enemies of God. These verses aren't telling us that each of us is as bad as can be; instead, Paul simply reminds us here that we have nothing to bring to God, and He has everything to bring to us. The beautiful "but God" truth in Romans 5:8 says it all. God demonstrated His love by dying for sinners who can do nothing to rescue themselves. Like the creatures Edgar cares for, we cannot earn the love we receive from God, but we can thank Him with gratitude, joy and obedience. We are able to respond to Him because He loved us first, 1 John 4:19; John 14:15.

Back to Edgar and all the Edgars in our lives. Perhaps each one has a natural bent that might serve as a way to tell them about the Savior we love. I know that some don't want to hear about the One Who has made us new, 2 Corinthians 5:17, but perhaps, if God shows us a bridge into their lives, one day we might meet with them on that bridge. The beautiful thing is that until that day, we can continue to pray. Knowing that the Lord has not stopped seeking and saving the lost, Luke 19:10. How grateful we are that He found us when we too were lost, Titus 3:3.

Lord, Thank You that You know the real Edgar. So many in this world, including him, don't know that You know them by name. Please continue to show those whom we love and those You place in our paths their helplessness and Your abundance of love toward them.