I’m Your Huckleberry

I have a friend, Jenny, in Colorado. Very early in COVID her brother died in prison. And because the world had been plunged into the twilight zone, they weren’t able to do a service for him at that time. But they went ahead and planned the burial and memorial for whenever it would be allowed. That day finally came. When it did, there was some confusion over Jenny’s mom’s decision to put “Beloved Son” on her son’s tombstone.

 

It was confusing to others because Jenny’s brother had been in prison for killing their father—a true and not at all inconsequential fact. But to Jenny and her mother, “Beloved Son” was also an entirely true and not at all inconsequential fact. Jenny’s brother was beloved, by his mother, his sister, and his father. Even on the day he was killed, he was loving his son. And more importantly, Jenny’s brother was loved by his Heavenly Father.

 

God’s love cannot be changed by violence or mental illness. God’s love is untouched by the reality of sin, the consequences of choices, or even the weight of punishment or justice. And His love for sure is not dimmed by the incredulity or objection of others. Our Good God has the final word on ALL OF US. He alone. And by His mercy and grace poured out, by the cleansing, saving, shed blood of Jesus Christ that pardons from sin and makes us new—IT IS FINISHED. This is the “Rule of Righteous Lot.” Jenny’s dad is in Heaven. With the Father, the Son, the Spirit, and his own beloved son.

 

This is the Gospel. A true pardon for sin and a peace that endureth.

 

Do you see now why God does not want the Gospel counterfeited or lesser versions offered in its place? Do you see why God would fiercely guard His Bride from being subjected to a powerless substitute? The real thing is that much better.

 

In the movie Tombstone, Doc Holliday, dying from TB, delivers this famous line: “I’m your huckleberry.” The internet has provided all kinds of fun takes on the meaning of it from fruit to funerals. But the reality is that it means basically what you would think it does. “I’m the one you want,” or “I’m the guy you’re looking for or needing.” Cowboys and cowgirls, Jesus—is your huckleberry. He is the realest of real deals. He is the only one you need.

 

His is The Way. Walk in it.