But God
Redemption is a theme that echoes through every page of Scripture. Like the wind, it is a subtle yet undeniably powerful force that refreshes, encourages and inspires.
In my newest release, Bride Tree, I've presented redemption in a different way. Bride Tree explores the love behind Christ's tremendous sacrifice. It is this love—an irrational, incomprehensible and absolutely incredible love—that compelled the God of Heaven to pursue what Paul described as a spiritual Bride (Eph. 5:27).
In Ephesians 2 we read, "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ..."
How I love those words, "But God!" They invoke the image of a catastrophic situation that is miraculously changed because God had a different plan in mind.
I imagine that Moses on the other side of the Red Sea would say that the Israelites were about to be destroyed but God switched the scene around. In like manner, Esther, Queen of Persia, knew that her people were slated for annihilation but God stepped in.
In the New Testament we see those words take on a deeper meaning when Jesus, the Author of redemption, approaches the unnamed woman at the well and reroutes her life. She could testify that her heart was empty and her story marred beyond hope... but God came in and made everything new.
As you read Bride Tree and leave modern society to step into 18th century France—an intricate world of intrigue, danger and an ongoing quest for love—I pray that you will discover afresh the meaning of those powerful words... But God.
JP Robinson
PS. Do you have a "but God" moment that you'd like to share? I'd love to hear about it. Write to me at jprobinsonbooks@gmail.com.
