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As I reflected on this view, and how terrifying it must have been to be so exposed to the Germans shooting from this elevated position, I have thought about what it means to be exposed. It is a vulnerable position to be in. Most of us tend to avoid situations where we are vulnerable and exposed. Typically, it is not a nice feeling. However, then I thought about how we are all already fully exposed before the Lord. Yet we need not fear such vulnerability with Him.
To be exposed and vulnerable in the face of an enemy is terrifying. To be exposed and vulnerable before the Lord, however, is freeing for the believer. Let's look a little deeper into this theme.
The reality is, the Lord knows everything about you, whether or not you are open and honest with Him about everything. Hebrews 4:13 says, "And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." He sees all and knows all. At first, to the non-believer, this is a terrifying reality. Nothing is hidden from Him. All our sinful actions and even thoughts are fully known to Him. This sets us up for a great and terrible judgement. However, the Scripture continues with this beautiful reality.
"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16)
The holy One who knows all and would have every right to punish us for all our sin, which He so fully sees, sympathizes with us, was perfect for us while we could never be, made a way for our forgiveness, AND then invites us into His presence! To approach a holy God, fully exposed as the sinners we are, would be terrifying. However, because He is so gracious and full of mercy, we can not only approach Him, we can approach Him confidently — not because we are great, but because He has done a great thing for us through Jesus Christ.
Now, we can know that while we are fully known by the Lord, exposed in every way, we are still fully loved and accepted by Him as His children. It is freeing to know that we are loved in this way. We need not approach the Lord in prayer timidly. Knowing that we are fully exposed and yet fully loved by a God standing ready to pour out His grace and mercy is a beautiful and freeing reality.
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