Have you been following the case of Lyn Dawson? The mum who went missing in the early 80s and, it’s alleged, because of police mishandling her disappearance wasn’t treated as suspicious and investigated or prosecuted.
The case has received new attention thanks to the Teachers Pet podcast and a few days ago her husband was arrested for her murder. The story has been front page news every day this week and, I think, that’s because we’re wired to love stories of justice made aright.
One of the beautiful gifts of the gospel is to know that ours is a God of justice. That there are no cold-cases – the Lord of all will judge the world and, on that day, every mixed motive will be untangled, every secret laid bare.
Now I say beautiful, but it’s also terrifying, right? We want justice for the Lyn Dawson’s of this world, but the thought that the God who’s resources for scrutiny are limitless, who is able to know not just our actions but our thoughts would also cast his eye over our case can rattle us.
This Sunday we’re hosting Born is the King and I realised this week that Mary had a similar thought, actually. In her song in Luke 1:51 Mary sings, “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.”
The God with a strong arm scatters those who are inwardly proud even if they are outwardly kind. Who could stand against that kind of condemnation?
This would be a disaster - except that in the previous verse she has also sung,
‘His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.’
grace and peace,
Steve
