The Bookmark on the Floor

She flipped through the pages of her crimson coloured Bible. Her eyes were puffed up and her hands were weak. She couldn’t even turn the pages. She was frail from constant weeping. She couldn’t find anything to read amidst the lines highlighted in fluorescent yellow.

She was a voracious Bible reader, but only till a few months ago. She was a Sunday school teacher, an active member of her local church and someone who bore witness to Christ amongst her neighbours and friends. Her life was smooth. God granted her an admission in the college she wanted. She was delighted with the miracle. As she started to enjoy her new life, she made new friends as well. But, little did she know what was in store for her. Her college was holding its annual day celebrations and she was with her friends in a classroom. Her model friend opened her bag and took out a bottle of beer and offered her. She refused plainly and walked out of the room. Since then, the pressure around her to try at least a glass gnawed at her. Having finally succumbed, she started attending wild parties and drinking.

Months passed and here she was, wondering whether she would return to normalcy. She didn’t want to attend church anymore; her Bible was covered with dust, tucked away in a corner; no more Christian songs being played in her room; she started ignoring the daily devotionals she received in her mail inbox. She was no more the joyous Rachel everyone liked. With a straight face all the time, she started feeling awkward with people around her. She wanted to be alone. Some accused her of backsliding, while some accused her of losing her First Love - Christ. While her bad company discontinued, she started feel guilty. As accusations poured on her, she felt like a sinner. She knew God would forgive her, but allegations of being backslidden overpowered her knowledge of a forgiving God. Meanwhile, her parents noticed the change in her. What were they doing about it? They were on their knees praying for her, for they knew no amount of words would convince their daughter to come back to the Lord.

One fine day, Rachel tried reading the Bible once again, but in vain. She turned the pages of her Bible, every now and then. The doorbell rang. She rushed toward the door, thinking it might be her brother. As she walked through the corridor, she noticed a bookmark lying on the floor. She hadn’t seen it before. The bookmark had a picture of Jesus with His arms wide open. She observed it and found a smile on Jesus’ face. She did not lose focus, and lo, for the first time in so many months, she felt something unusual...warmth of a father’s hug, joy of a friend being around, peace by knowing someone is in control. The picture had no words, but she could feel the nail pierced hands welcoming her.

She grabbed the bookmark and rushed toward the door. By this time, the frequency of the ding dongs increased. She opened the door, let her brother in and ran towards her own room. Closing the door behind her, she sat down and looked at the bookmark again. Her eyes welled up, her fingers shivered and she sobbed. She looked heavenward and a divine peace swept her, peace that surpasses all understanding. She opened her Bible and her eyes caught attention of Luke 15:1-7 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2015:1-7). The parable of the lost sheep spoke of how God, the Shepherd, would leave His 99 other sheep to find that one sheep which has gone astray. She knew God had spoken to her. Despite all her efforts to come back to God, she never came across this passage. But, in God’s perfect timing, God showed her that He loves her and wants her to come back into His fold.

 In that moment of change, she spoke no words, prayed no prayer, but the realisation of God’s love made Rachel a new creation. It did not take an entire lifetime, a sermon, a preacher or a daily devotional to change her. Her desire was to come back to her First Love; her longing to be in His presence was honoured by God because of His unfailing love and grace. For Him, there’s no transgression, no sin greater than Christ’s sacrifice. He loves this world! The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

There are different rituals in this world to cleanse people of their sins. But, one act of God has redeemed us from our sins forever. A part of God’s plan, Jesus came into this world for you and me. He came, not to condemn us for our sins, but to save us. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)

His love cannot be expressed in words, His grace cannot be understood, His glory cannot be comprehended. His gift of salvation is available to all, anyone who seeks Him! Because the ultimate sacrifice has been offered, and eternal life is ours.

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