Last night I watched an episode of Sherlock, a TV series which presents a modern adaptation of the classic detective stories authored by Arthur Conan Doyle. In that particular episode, John Watson, Sherlock’s sidekick, got married and the renowned detective was named the groom’s best man. In his best man speech, the usually apathetic Sherlock shared his love and respect for John, describing himself as “a ridiculous man redeemed only by the warmth and constancy of (John’s) friendship.” This moved the previously apprehensive wedding guests to tears. And if I am to be honest, Sherlock’s speech moved me (nearly!) to tears as well.
For the benefit of those who don’t know what I’m talking about, let me shed some light on these characters. Sherlock Holmes is a brilliant “consulting detective”, known for his deductive prowess, keen observational skills and sharp memory. However, just as well-known as his intellect is his cold, manipulative attitude and his social ineptitude. Despite his numerous exploits and extraordinary talents, Sherlock is not well-liked and has very few friends. John Watson, on the other had, is a doctor and former soldier who became Sherlock’s flatmate (housemate in Filipino context). He has a front-row seat to the famous detective’s deductive processes but also has to endure Holmes’ superiority complex on a daily basis. Many people, most of them mere spectators to his public displays of mental skill, hated Sherlock Holmes for the little they have seen. But the very man who lived under the same roof with him, who gets to see more of Sherlock’s dark side than anyone else, still considers him his best friend.
You know what? We need a John Watson to our Sherlock Holmes. We need someone who knows us completely, bad side and all, yet loves and accepts us anyway. But if we think about it, that is not enough. After all, what good is a love that only ignores the evil that destroys us? What we need is someone better than John Watson. What we need is someone who not only loves us in spite of who we are, but also has the power to give us a brand new life.
I could go on and on about this, but for now, let these passages of Scripture introduce you to this special Someone.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:10
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
1 John 3:1a
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
Titus 2:11,12
There is more from where that came from, my friend. You need not search for a flatmate and hope that he will be your John Watson. All you have to do is to look to the cross and see the One who gave it all, not only to show you how much He loves you despite your dark side, but also to do away with that dark side that has plagued you all your life. This is the beauty of God’s grace. It is too holy for sin to handle yet humble enough to stoop down to our level. This is what Jesus Christ is offering us. This is grace: God giving His only Son for sinners like you and me. Will you receive Him and be redeemed by the warmth and constancy of His everlasting love?
Christianity Is For Losers 