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Living Under The Stairs


In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of His will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. (Ephesians 1:7-10)
            I’m listening to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Spoiler alert if there’s anyone other than me who hasn’t read the story. Harry spends nine of the first ten years of his life living with his aunt’s family. They don’t tell him his heritage. They clothe him in hand-me-downs and resent every penny that he costs them because they can’t then spend it on their spoiled son. Then, he finds out that his parents were not only not the sort of people he’d been taught, but that they had left him a great treasure.
           That’s effectively the story of each of our lives. We’re forced to live under the stairs, wear the clothing that the world gives us, no matter how unsuitable, and denied our heritage. We haven’t really any idea who we are in Christ, or what treasure have been put aside for our use. Our letter of admission doesn’t come via an owl, it comes through the cross. And hidden where the world cannot see it, a great treasure waits. One of the big jewels is redemption through his blood. Another is the forgiveness of sins. God doesn’t scrimp on this treasure. There are stacks and piles. If it were water, we could fill a large tub and relax in it, since that’s what “lavish” means.
            Of course, the problem is that the treasure isn’t available to spend as we want. We have a list of supplies we’re expected to get – lots of basic supplies. There are texts we need to master and disciplines to learn before we can move on to the more advanced stuff. But how often do we live as “muggles” when we’re Christians?
            Lord, teach us about the wealth found in You, not the silver and gold but the grace that you’ve lavished on us. Make known to us the mystery of Your will

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