John Newton penned the now familiar line - "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!" Newton knew the depths of wretchedness. In his youth, he had gone to sea and over time became a captain, but not of noble ships. His ships carried human cargo from their African homes to lands far away. Those ships were islands of misery and death with sick and suffering humans chained below decks in squalor that defies our imagination. In addition to the physical horror, there was the utter loss of hope, the terrible grief of having their lives stolen while their bodies still lived!
In the film, "Amazing Grace" released in 2007 to tell the story of William Wilberforce, the member of England's Parliament who led the 30 year struggle to outlaw slavery, Newton reveals that the horror of slave trade haunts his dreams, despite his own experience of Christ's transforming grace, becoming a minister of the Church of England. He was a wretch, no longer, because of God's intervention.
Some churches have taken to changing the word - 'wretch' - to 'soul' when they sing the that hymn. I prefer to hold onto the word - 'wretch' - because it makes God's grace all that more amazing! What is a 'wretch?' My dictionary defines it as 'a deplorably unhappy person of base or despicable character.' No wonder some hymnals are taking the word out of the song. We moderns don't like to think of ourselves as wretched. We make many excuses:
We don't sin anymore, we just make mistakes.
We were raised by parents who messed us up psychologically by failing to love us adequately.
We lacked opportunities to excel, to get the right education, etc.
Wrong, Wrong, and Wrong again! Inside of every person lives a wretched sinful nature,which is inherited from Adam, the first in the long line of sinful wretches.
Paul knew of the wretched state of humanity first hand, too. He spent years pursuing Christians to bring them, with whatever means necessary back to their senses. He even stood at the murder of Stephen, watching him die as stones thrown by hate-filled men pummeled that young saint's body. Then, he too,met Christ and experienced amazing, transforming grace. Paul never forgot that his sinful nature was ready to make a re-appearance if given the least chance. He wrote, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24, NKJV) But he does not dwell on hopelessness, nor does he make excuse for sin! A greater Power can give a new heart and a new start! Praise pours from his being at the demise of the wretch and the appearance of the glorious man - "The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different." (Romans 7:25, The Message)
I awakened today with a strange mixture of wonder and revulsion in my heart- the dark outlines of the wretchedness at the edges of my life repulse me. The utter depravity of humanity - the pornographers, the greedy money merchants who steal the meager wealth of the unsophisticated, the powerful among us who use their power selfishly, the strong who oppress the weak- is everywhere. But against the dark backdrop, there is glory all around, for I am no longer a depraved wretch! I am a saint saved by grace!
And, most amazing of all, I am privileged to join with God in the fight against the wretchedness of the world, a priest of Heaven who is able to make the appeal, "on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20, NIV) I rejoice that the God of the ages, through Christ Jesus, would liberate me from wretchedness, not because of anything good thing I've done, but because He is so good and His grace so amazing.Have you bowed your heard, and humbled your heart, recognizing your wretchedness? There is no need to remain in that unhappy state. There is a Savior who gives new hearts and fresh starts to those who receive His amazing grace. He accepts wretches and makes heart, soul, and mind new! The Word promises - "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws." (Ezekiel 36:26-27, NIV)
Yes, you and I will, from time to time, slip back into our wretchedness when we take our eyes off of Jesus. The sinful nature waits to assert the wretch in us. But we need not wallow in the shame of our sins. Instead, we turn back to our God, and like the lost son, find the open arms of the Waiting Father.
Here's a word from the Word-"We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory,are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory,which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV)
Away darkness of the wretch! Shine brighter as you live in His amazing grace!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Wright is Wrong
Given that life can be frustrating, that people disappoint us, that situations of unfairness exist all around us, we get fed up and sometimes vent our anger in entirely inappropriate ways. Well, I do, anyway! I would not want some of my past tirades displayed on YouTube for all the world to see. So, I feel some compassion for the Rev. Wright, the pastor of Barack Obama, whose pulpit tirades were the object of much media attention this week. There is good reason for black American to feel anger, to hate what was done by a social structure that first enslaved and then oppressed their fathers. But, Wright as a Christian, should have known what we all need to know: rage feeds irrationality and, though it feels good in the moment, produces terrible fruit down life's road!
Paul challenges Believers to deal with the 'justifiable' anger over life's injustice with stern admonitions. He says, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:31-32, NIV) He says the same thing in both Galatians and Colossians! That ancient book of wisdom, Proverbs, tells us that "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." (Proverbs 16:32, NKJV) When I reflect back on times when I set aside moderation and self-control to give myself over to rage, I see moments of folly. With reason replaced by white hot passionate emotions, I am capable of saying and/or doing things that can only cause pain, that hurt others and myself.
And, while my first reaction to Wright is sorrowful indignation, what follows quickly is a kind of fear and humility. Why? Because I know that I, too, am a man with a sinful nature that struggles to master me. And, Believer, so are you! In a recent gathering of pastors that I attended, someone spoke of a local minister who had broken his marriage vows, sinning against God and his family. We all made the appropriate noises of disgust and professed our dismay that one of our fraternity would 'do such a thing!' Our indignation masked this simple truth - anyone of us sitting there could easily do the same thing except for the grace of God. Wright's rage and our brother's adultery are evidence of the very real struggle with the sinful nature that goes on inside the mind and heart of every person!
Please don't read this as excusing sinful behavior. Paul, even as he acknowledges being "the worst of sinners," (1 Tim. 1.15) determines to live a holy life that honors his Lord and Savior. And so should we. Here's the paradox, when we acknowledge the reality of the potential to sin that is very real, we have taken the first step to break its hold on us. By humbly admitting the truth, we release the power of God in our lives. No one cleans himself up morally and then presents himself to Christ as worthy of being a child of God. The Bible dismisses even the most sincere attempts at making ourselves holy saying, "all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory!" (Romans 3.23) Isaiah declares that our attempts at self-righteousness have all the value of 'filthy rags!' (64.4)
But here's the rest of the story.... "now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—"he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." (Romans 3:21-26, NIV)
God stepped in! What we cannot do for ourselves, He did for us. What is impossible for us, holiness, He makes not only possible, but inevitable, as we are filled with the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. The Word exults in our victory. After listing many evidences of the old sinful way of life, Paul says, "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. ... By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also."
(1 Corinthians 6:11,14, NIV)
Believer, do not accommodate your sinful nature. Make no excuses for those things that are 'normal' but not God-glorifying. Watch out for spiritual pride that points out the sins of others while failing to admit your own. Instead, kneel at the Cross! Receive the gift of salvation and the power to live a new life that is free to all who will believe and receive.
______________________
Paul challenges Believers to deal with the 'justifiable' anger over life's injustice with stern admonitions. He says, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:31-32, NIV) He says the same thing in both Galatians and Colossians! That ancient book of wisdom, Proverbs, tells us that "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." (Proverbs 16:32, NKJV) When I reflect back on times when I set aside moderation and self-control to give myself over to rage, I see moments of folly. With reason replaced by white hot passionate emotions, I am capable of saying and/or doing things that can only cause pain, that hurt others and myself.
And, while my first reaction to Wright is sorrowful indignation, what follows quickly is a kind of fear and humility. Why? Because I know that I, too, am a man with a sinful nature that struggles to master me. And, Believer, so are you! In a recent gathering of pastors that I attended, someone spoke of a local minister who had broken his marriage vows, sinning against God and his family. We all made the appropriate noises of disgust and professed our dismay that one of our fraternity would 'do such a thing!' Our indignation masked this simple truth - anyone of us sitting there could easily do the same thing except for the grace of God. Wright's rage and our brother's adultery are evidence of the very real struggle with the sinful nature that goes on inside the mind and heart of every person!
Please don't read this as excusing sinful behavior. Paul, even as he acknowledges being "the worst of sinners," (1 Tim. 1.15) determines to live a holy life that honors his Lord and Savior. And so should we. Here's the paradox, when we acknowledge the reality of the potential to sin that is very real, we have taken the first step to break its hold on us. By humbly admitting the truth, we release the power of God in our lives. No one cleans himself up morally and then presents himself to Christ as worthy of being a child of God. The Bible dismisses even the most sincere attempts at making ourselves holy saying, "all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory!" (Romans 3.23) Isaiah declares that our attempts at self-righteousness have all the value of 'filthy rags!' (64.4)
But here's the rest of the story.... "now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—"he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." (Romans 3:21-26, NIV)
God stepped in! What we cannot do for ourselves, He did for us. What is impossible for us, holiness, He makes not only possible, but inevitable, as we are filled with the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. The Word exults in our victory. After listing many evidences of the old sinful way of life, Paul says, "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. ... By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also."
(1 Corinthians 6:11,14, NIV)
Believer, do not accommodate your sinful nature. Make no excuses for those things that are 'normal' but not God-glorifying. Watch out for spiritual pride that points out the sins of others while failing to admit your own. Instead, kneel at the Cross! Receive the gift of salvation and the power to live a new life that is free to all who will believe and receive.
______________________
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Trophy
Trophy - it's a funny word, isn't it?
The dictionary defines it as "anything serving as evidence of a victory, valor, or skill." Last year I won one, sort of, at the Pinewood Derby, sponsored by our church's boys group. Using a kit purchased from them, I made a small car to race down a long track. They awarded me the prize for 'slowest car.' I kid you not! It was a moment of glory that won't be remembered. I have another trophy, a copy of a national magazine, issue date in the early 1990's, when an editor first took note of my words and published an article I had written. I remember the pride I felt on receiving an advance copy, opening to that page, and seeing the title and my name printed under it. The paper of the magazine is starting to yellow and the excitement over being 'published' has long since faded.
John Ortberg writes about the fleeting nature of earthly success and the speed with which our trophies become insignificant. "God has a wonderful sense of humor and often sends people to help to remember that 'being enough' is His department. No trophies can confer that status. A few years ago I spoke in a conference in Germany and afterward was asked to sign some books. A woman handed me a German translation of one of my books and said in thickly accented English, 'Danka. This is the best book I ever read.' Germans aren't famous for their sense of humor, but I thought she might be pulling my leg. 'No kidding?' I asked her. 'Yah,' she said, by way of ruthless explanation, 'I don't read much.' " - It All Goes Back in the Box, Zondervan, 2007
What trophies are you reaching for? What serves as evidence of victory for you? More money? Status in your community? Your kids' achievements? Grades, degrees, certificates? Sexual conquest?
Awards and recognition are wonderful. We need to commend those who show skill, who achieve proficiency. But, we are best adjusted when the award is secondary in our order of importance. A real scholar loves to learn more than the degree that comes with education. A true athlete loves the game even more than the championship ring that comes with the win. A genuine Believer loves to serve the Lord and others more than the appreciation that comes to faithful servants! Trophies lose their luster quite quickly. This year's 'magna cum laude' graduate is replaced by the scholar in the next class! Those who make world records in this year's games will see them replaced by someone in a year or two.
Believer, there is a trophy that lasts! The commendation of God, for a life of love, never loses it's value. The Word says, "Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing." (1 Corinthians 9:24-26, NLT) "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." (1 Peter 5:4, NIV)
Jesus spoke of "laying up treasure in Heaven... where it never decays." He wasn't just talking about giving a generous donation to the church. He was talking about investing our time, our affection- all of our resources - in those things that are of eternal value. How you do your job makes it either just about earning a paycheck or about making life better for others for God's glory. Loving, forgiving, seeking to serve makes relationships rich and creates unity in our families, churches, and communities that glorifies God and builds an eternal reward.
I pray that the trophy case in my life isn't just full of fading trinkets of past glory. May God help me to live in a way that connects today with eternity. How about you?
Here's a word from the Word. Embrace the promise!
"Be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne." (Revelation 3:19-21, NLT)
The dictionary defines it as "anything serving as evidence of a victory, valor, or skill." Last year I won one, sort of, at the Pinewood Derby, sponsored by our church's boys group. Using a kit purchased from them, I made a small car to race down a long track. They awarded me the prize for 'slowest car.' I kid you not! It was a moment of glory that won't be remembered. I have another trophy, a copy of a national magazine, issue date in the early 1990's, when an editor first took note of my words and published an article I had written. I remember the pride I felt on receiving an advance copy, opening to that page, and seeing the title and my name printed under it. The paper of the magazine is starting to yellow and the excitement over being 'published' has long since faded.
John Ortberg writes about the fleeting nature of earthly success and the speed with which our trophies become insignificant. "God has a wonderful sense of humor and often sends people to help to remember that 'being enough' is His department. No trophies can confer that status. A few years ago I spoke in a conference in Germany and afterward was asked to sign some books. A woman handed me a German translation of one of my books and said in thickly accented English, 'Danka. This is the best book I ever read.' Germans aren't famous for their sense of humor, but I thought she might be pulling my leg. 'No kidding?' I asked her. 'Yah,' she said, by way of ruthless explanation, 'I don't read much.' " - It All Goes Back in the Box, Zondervan, 2007
What trophies are you reaching for? What serves as evidence of victory for you? More money? Status in your community? Your kids' achievements? Grades, degrees, certificates? Sexual conquest?
Awards and recognition are wonderful. We need to commend those who show skill, who achieve proficiency. But, we are best adjusted when the award is secondary in our order of importance. A real scholar loves to learn more than the degree that comes with education. A true athlete loves the game even more than the championship ring that comes with the win. A genuine Believer loves to serve the Lord and others more than the appreciation that comes to faithful servants! Trophies lose their luster quite quickly. This year's 'magna cum laude' graduate is replaced by the scholar in the next class! Those who make world records in this year's games will see them replaced by someone in a year or two.
Believer, there is a trophy that lasts! The commendation of God, for a life of love, never loses it's value. The Word says, "Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing." (1 Corinthians 9:24-26, NLT) "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." (1 Peter 5:4, NIV)
Jesus spoke of "laying up treasure in Heaven... where it never decays." He wasn't just talking about giving a generous donation to the church. He was talking about investing our time, our affection- all of our resources - in those things that are of eternal value. How you do your job makes it either just about earning a paycheck or about making life better for others for God's glory. Loving, forgiving, seeking to serve makes relationships rich and creates unity in our families, churches, and communities that glorifies God and builds an eternal reward.
I pray that the trophy case in my life isn't just full of fading trinkets of past glory. May God help me to live in a way that connects today with eternity. How about you?
Here's a word from the Word. Embrace the promise!
"Be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne." (Revelation 3:19-21, NLT)
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
A Good Loser?
There are hundreds of books that teach us skills we need to win. Some counsel on the ways of building wealth, others on the agility necessary to mastering a game. But, I am convinced that a skill most needed is that of learning how to lose well! The fact is that we all lose, probably more than we win. It is a fact of life - Nobody wins everytime! It is what we do with the disappointments the come with loss that marks us as great people.
In her book, Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin recounts the story of Abraham Lincoln and Edwin Stanton, two men who met in 1854. One was a country lawyer from Illinois, the other a cultured lawyer from Washington, DC. A big case was to be heard in Illinois, so Stanton's firm retained a local lawyer, Lincoln, just to make a connection with the local judge. Lincoln did not know this so he spent weeks preparing for the case. When Stanton came to Illinois for the case, he ignored Lincoln's work completely. He insulted Lincoln endlessly, until finally Lincoln withdrew from the case, losing his ability to gain compensation. Five years later, Lincoln was the President of the United States and Stanton was the outgoing Attorney General. Lincoln needed a man to run the War Department as the nation was in the crisis of the Civil War. Stanton, his old critic, was the man recommended by many. Lincoln had not forgotten the insults, public and private, that Stanton had rained on him, yet he swallowed his pride and appointed the man for the good of the nation. In the end, they became stalwart allies and Stanton served his President faithfully until the day Lincoln was shot. Stanton mourned Lincoln intensely in death.
How was Lincoln able to choose a man for high office who had previously treated him with such contempt? Because Lincoln had learned to deal with adversity as a result of many losses in his life. He had endured poverty, overcame the early death of family members, lived through successive hardships, and suffered multiple political defeats on his way to the Presidency. Along the way, he had discovered that suffering can be an excellent teacher. He knew that today's loss is an opportunity to make the choices for tomorrow's success! A man less acquainted with personal hardships may well have lacked the courage, grit, and endurance to lead the nation through that dark time that preserved the Union at such terrible cost in life. Suffering had produced a person of great character who realized that the world did not exist to serve him; but that he existed to serve others in this world.
Do you complain bitterly when you are faced with loss?
Do you love to rehearse your sorrows so as to gain the sympathies of others?
Do you carefully protect yourself, your time, your resources from situations that might be costly, or demand inconvenience?
If you answer consistently answer with a 'yes,' dear Believer, then you will be of little use in the work of God.
Jesus Christ lays down these words of uncompromising challenge to each of us who would be part of His work in the world.
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:24-26, NIV)
His call is not to stoicism!
He does not demand detachment, nor a stiff upper lip!
Jesus was a man of tenderest emotions. He wept at the death of his friend, Lazarus. He wept over the city of Jerusalem, knowing the judgment that awaited her. He was touched by the hunger of the crowd, the pain of the sick, and the hopelessness of those controlled by evil. He willingly took on the 'loss' of His Glory as God, to become a Man, and to become sin for us all. And why? For the joy of doing the will of God, for that is was, and is, the greatest Win-Win ever! In our obedience to His will, God's Kingdom advances, we are blessed eternally.
Often our bitter wails and manipulations are born of an overdeveloped sense of entitlement! We do not say it in so many words, but the thought is there too often, "God, I am owed a better deal than this!" Truthfully, He owes us nothing, but gives us all things by His grace as we are able to receive them with thanksgiving, holding them loosely, and ready to use them for His purposes. When you find yourself in a hard place today, pray for the grace to give real thanks to God for His purposes in that moment. Careful now. Do not give the fraudulent words of empty praise to Him that is unmatched by a worshipful heart. Surrender yourself, from the first moment of the day, to His reign. Commit yourself to accepting wins and losses with equal grace, as the Lord helps you. A paradox that is amazing results. You will begin to experience greater joy as you live nearer to the Heart of God, which will increase the love that you enjoy for God, and from others. "Whoever loses his life for Me, will find it!"
Here is a word from the Word for your meditation today:
"I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith." (Philippians 3:8-9, NIV)
_________________
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord I give myself to Thee.
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessings fall on me.
I surrender all,
I surrender all.
All to Thee my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
I Surrender All
Van DeVenter, Weeden© Public Domain
In her book, Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin recounts the story of Abraham Lincoln and Edwin Stanton, two men who met in 1854. One was a country lawyer from Illinois, the other a cultured lawyer from Washington, DC. A big case was to be heard in Illinois, so Stanton's firm retained a local lawyer, Lincoln, just to make a connection with the local judge. Lincoln did not know this so he spent weeks preparing for the case. When Stanton came to Illinois for the case, he ignored Lincoln's work completely. He insulted Lincoln endlessly, until finally Lincoln withdrew from the case, losing his ability to gain compensation. Five years later, Lincoln was the President of the United States and Stanton was the outgoing Attorney General. Lincoln needed a man to run the War Department as the nation was in the crisis of the Civil War. Stanton, his old critic, was the man recommended by many. Lincoln had not forgotten the insults, public and private, that Stanton had rained on him, yet he swallowed his pride and appointed the man for the good of the nation. In the end, they became stalwart allies and Stanton served his President faithfully until the day Lincoln was shot. Stanton mourned Lincoln intensely in death.
How was Lincoln able to choose a man for high office who had previously treated him with such contempt? Because Lincoln had learned to deal with adversity as a result of many losses in his life. He had endured poverty, overcame the early death of family members, lived through successive hardships, and suffered multiple political defeats on his way to the Presidency. Along the way, he had discovered that suffering can be an excellent teacher. He knew that today's loss is an opportunity to make the choices for tomorrow's success! A man less acquainted with personal hardships may well have lacked the courage, grit, and endurance to lead the nation through that dark time that preserved the Union at such terrible cost in life. Suffering had produced a person of great character who realized that the world did not exist to serve him; but that he existed to serve others in this world.
Do you complain bitterly when you are faced with loss?
Do you love to rehearse your sorrows so as to gain the sympathies of others?
Do you carefully protect yourself, your time, your resources from situations that might be costly, or demand inconvenience?
If you answer consistently answer with a 'yes,' dear Believer, then you will be of little use in the work of God.
Jesus Christ lays down these words of uncompromising challenge to each of us who would be part of His work in the world.
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:24-26, NIV)
His call is not to stoicism!
He does not demand detachment, nor a stiff upper lip!
Jesus was a man of tenderest emotions. He wept at the death of his friend, Lazarus. He wept over the city of Jerusalem, knowing the judgment that awaited her. He was touched by the hunger of the crowd, the pain of the sick, and the hopelessness of those controlled by evil. He willingly took on the 'loss' of His Glory as God, to become a Man, and to become sin for us all. And why? For the joy of doing the will of God, for that is was, and is, the greatest Win-Win ever! In our obedience to His will, God's Kingdom advances, we are blessed eternally.
Often our bitter wails and manipulations are born of an overdeveloped sense of entitlement! We do not say it in so many words, but the thought is there too often, "God, I am owed a better deal than this!" Truthfully, He owes us nothing, but gives us all things by His grace as we are able to receive them with thanksgiving, holding them loosely, and ready to use them for His purposes. When you find yourself in a hard place today, pray for the grace to give real thanks to God for His purposes in that moment. Careful now. Do not give the fraudulent words of empty praise to Him that is unmatched by a worshipful heart. Surrender yourself, from the first moment of the day, to His reign. Commit yourself to accepting wins and losses with equal grace, as the Lord helps you. A paradox that is amazing results. You will begin to experience greater joy as you live nearer to the Heart of God, which will increase the love that you enjoy for God, and from others. "Whoever loses his life for Me, will find it!"
Here is a word from the Word for your meditation today:
"I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith." (Philippians 3:8-9, NIV)
_________________
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord I give myself to Thee.
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessings fall on me.
I surrender all,
I surrender all.
All to Thee my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
I Surrender All
Van DeVenter, Weeden© Public Domain
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)