God Redeems Now

God Redeems Now
Psalm 73

Last night we went to a concert by rock-country-bluegrass-folk artist Steve Earle. I first heard him at Nottingham Rock City when he was still fairly fresh out of prison where he had been for drug-related offenses. Twenty years later in a club in Disneyland (!), one of his songs declared that he now believes in prophecy and miracles, and “Yeah, I believe in God, and God ain’t me... I believe in God, but God ain’t us.” Steve Earle was washed up, finished, but he told the audience when introducing another of his songs, “I had my second chance,” though he also rejoices in the fact that every day is another second chance. He has been married seven times (twice to the same woman), “but this is the first time sober.” When I listen to an addict who is now so full of life, commitment, and creativity referring to how things once were, it can mean I am listening to someone who embodies the miracle of God’s reaching into someone’s life, and it encourages my faith and hope...