The Charges Are Dropped!!!

As I sat around the circle waiting for the small group to start, someone asked the question, “What’s the best news anyone has ever told you?” Greg, without hesitation shouted out, “The charges are dropped!” Laughter erupted, but as it sank in many of us realized we were laughing because we understood exactly what he meant.

I honestly don’t remember the topic of the group that night but I remember it centered around what was excitedly shouted out realizing that this simple phrase was the greatest thing any of us could ever hear.

When I think about this story and the men that sat around the circle that night the scripture that immediately comes to mind is Col. 2:13-15 where it says that we were dead in our sins but God canceled the record of charges against us. Or one version says, canceled the old arrest warrants by nailing them to the cross.

The charges are dropped---Wow! And the Creator of the Universe has chosen us to be the ones to take this good news to others through CR! Think about it, Romans 5 says that we were sinners, ungodly, and yes it gets worse, God’s enemies. And still he decided to make us his ambassadors when we finally said “I surrender!” Matt. 5, “Blessed are the spiritually poor.”

When my father heard my cry come before him he said, “The world will call you a recovering drug addict. But I see you as a new creation, holy in my sight, set apart, without blemish, free from accusation, perfect, a priest, a son, brother to Jesus. I’ll see you as free from sin, one who has no condemnation, delivered, rescued and brought into the kingdom of the son I love. I have set you free and you are no longer a captive. Oh, and I really ought to tell you I want you and the ones you love the most, you know your Forever Family, to live with me eternally.”

“How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.” (Psalm 116:12-14)

Our repayment for what the Lord has done in our lives, is not about what all WE HAVE TO do. But it’s more of a thankful response. Or in the words of Johnny Baker, a phrase you’ll hear more of, “WE GET TO” serve others through Celebrate Recovery!

I’ll let you know more on how we “GET TO” serve down here on the bayou next week and I look forward to hearing how you all are bringing them in and making them welcome.