In our lives, have we dared to go places we never knew were there? Have we looked at the past in view of the future and does it seems like another world? Familiar, and yet so far away. To see ourselves now in light of ourselves back then looks like what could have been.
What could have been had we chosen another road, walked another path, said a certain word, taken a different stance.
I do not know if life as we know it, and as I see it, was supposed to be this way. I imagine a greater thing beyond what is in front of me, and yet it seems behind me, and yet it is all that I know.
Is there something more than what we have? Is there someone more than what we’ve known? Is there some place still left to go?
If we were supposed to be? Or to do with or for another would that be true in return? My restless Spirit is restless in some other self?
Were there dreams not pursued, were there dreams diminished, were there dreams unattained, for what could have been?
God gives people wide boundaries to choose and to live. He gives room to make decisions and follow our paths and to live our lives. Yet, does this mean we are living a life according to His will and desire? He allows so much. Though our choices may seem good for the moment they may not be good in the future, but we do not know until all is said and done.
Most people live in the moment and make decisions based on the present time, rather than the future in mind. Yes, some make decisions based on a future unknown to forsake a future present. To understand the deeper spiritual meaning in making decisions we must truly come to know the decisions God has made for our lives. Though our paths are written are we writing them? Human rationalization and “meant to be” are unconscious choices that we call faith.
So what could have been should have been and can no longer be. But can it no longer be?
Had we not gone our own way but waited for longer days, what could have been?
When we spoke out of fear rather than out of love, what could have been?
Instead of words untold than with actions shown, what could have been?
Rather than question only to settle for our own answers, what could have been?
To bless another in the moment than to not and lament it, what could have been?
And so it is…
“Pilate said to them “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let Him be crucified!” And he said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they kept shouting all the more, saying “Let Him be crucified!” and when Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.” And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children!” Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he delivered Him to be crucified.”
(Matthew 27: 22-26)
What could have been had God not sent His son to the world?
What could have been had Pilate released Jesus who is called Christ?
What could have been that Jesus who is called Christ not been crucified for our sins?
What could have been had Jesus called Christ not loved the entire world?
What could have been had Jesus called Christ not resurrected on the third day?
What could have been had Jesus called Christ not ascended to heaven?
What could have been had Jesus called Christ not imparted His Spirit to indwell followers of Him?
It is unimaginable to think what could have been. But what could have been for our lives is what is because Jesus Christ our Lord loves each of us so that we may have eternal life.
He rectifies and reconciles us from our choices and our paths and our lives. In Him all is found, restored, regained and redeemed.
He makes what could have been possible again to those who believe and follow Him.
He rose, He ascended, and He is making intersession for us at the right hand of the Father our God.
In Him, what could have been, was to be, and is to come again, forevermore.
Copyright 2021. The Word in Motion.
Photocredit: At the campus of Dallas Theological Seminary. Dallas, Texas. 2011.
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