Experienced something very ‘heavy’ today in a place called Cartago. We stopped at a historic church about 45 minutes south of where we live in Costa Rica. People were shuffling down the aisle of the church on their knees, even small children & those bent over with age. During the holy week of Easter each year, thousands will crawl on their knees from around the country to this church. Imagine what our knees would look like after hours & hours of scraping them across asphalt & rock, up & down mountains, through dirt & sewer runoff…
On one hand, I was humbled that they would at least make an effort to experience the pain that Christ suffered for us. Of course we can’t ‘earn points’ with God by doing this, but taking time to consider the price He paid for us is a good thing. Sadly, most see this ritual as a means to earn salvation, a way to make up for sins. By doing so, we miss the whole point of salvation. It’s a gift that only God could give. His son Jesus dying on the cross is the only payment that suffices. All our efforts to achieve what only He could do, is in vain.
What makes the whole situation even sadder is crawling to the holy altar is not even their goal. Their goal is to arrive in front of a little statue believed to bring good luck. Around this statue are thousands of trinkets and objects that people have brought in hopes of receiving a miracle from this mythical figure. (It’s common here for churches to mix biblical principles with superstition and pagan rituals). The church also sells the trinkets, which proves to be a great money maker as the cycle repeats itself over & over.
My heart aches for these precious people. I can’t imagine how it grieves God. He loves His kids so much & they try so hard, but the connection is never made. They’re coming to His house but not to see Him. Is there anything we can do? For a second today, I entertained the thought of standing in that church and proclaiming His truth. What would I have to lose really, humiliation, being thrown out, or a night in jail? Now that would be walking in Jesus’ sandals! I just walked away grieved and angry at the devil for the deception he has caused – BUT also more determined!
Let’s be determined to OPEN our GIFT of salvation this Christmas and then to share Him generously throughout the year. Thanks for your prayers for us, do what He’s called you to do, & have a Merry Christmas!
