Transitions
By: Lt. Colonel Cindy-Lou Drummond
Occasionally, I detect a theme to a season in my life. The present is no exception. Over the last six months, the theme of “transition” emerged. I transitioned from one house to another, to an apartment, and now to a house in a matter of two months. I transitioned from Ohio to New York, and I transitioned to a different appointment. So, transition has been on my mind a lot. However, when I reflect on my life, I acknowledge the transitions that were mundane and those that were transformational. As a matter of record, although I often wish people a “seamless” transition, most of the transitions I’ve experienced have not been seamless.
As we approach Holy Week and recount the life of Jesus on earth, I am reminded of the transitions He experienced up to His resurrection. Imagine Jesus’ transition from a member of the Godhead to a babe in the manager. The transition from sovereign to subject, submitting to an earthly mother and father, Jewish law, and the law of the land. Even the transition from Rabbi/Teacher to servant leader washing the disciples’ feet. Ultimately, the transition from hero Messiah riding into Jerusalem on a donkey to the “villain of blasphemy”(according to the Jewish leaders) nailed to the cross, to the victorious risen Savior of humanity and reigning King. Seamless transitions? You wouldn’t think so, but in fact, the transitions were seamless.
The plan of God for the redemption, reconciliation, and restoration of humanity is a perfect plan. The Salvation Army’s fourth doctrine is clear that the transition from Godhead member to human being was necessary. “We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the Divine and human natures are united, so that He is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.” Jesus is the only way to the Father, and that is made possible only by his death and resurrection. Amid Holy Week, Jesus had a time in the garden, praying that the next transition which was His arrest, trial, and crucifixion could be removed. Luke 22:42 describes the prayer of Jesus that demonstrates His divinity and humanity, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” A transition that was difficult for a human to accept yet praying that God’s will be done. Yet another example of a seamless transition.
It is because of all of the transitions Jesus experienced that we can have the most life changing transition. The book of Romans gives us insight on the seamless process of our transformation from sinner to saint (sinner saved by grace). It is amazing that “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Furthermore, Romans 10:9 assures us that “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Of all the transitions in my life, this by far was the most seamless because I did not have to do anything but confess my sin and need for a Savior. My relationship with Jesus is now one of growing in my knowledge of Him and desiring to be more like Him. This transformational transition remains dynamic. What about you? There is no better time than the present to transition to a new life in Christ.
