What’s your expectation?
Dr. Larry Crabb, Christian author and counselor, writes
about a session with a man who opened with this request, “Make me feel better
quickly!” Crabb replied, “Get a case of
your favorite alcoholic beverage, a compliant woman, and take a trip to the
Bahamas.” The man was shocked and asked,
“Are you sure you’re a Christian?” Crabb
replied, “I am, but what you asked of me requires something less than Christ
will provide.” He went to explain that ‘feeling
better quickly,’ while often the goal of many is not the promise of Jesus. Becoming whole and mature through Him demands
whole-hearted commitment and willingness to do the work that leads to real
healing. Of course, Crabb observed that his
prescription for alcohol, women, and a vacation does not really provide lasting
satisfaction either, but it does produce temporary happiness. (told in Inside Out, NavPress, 1988)
I love that story for the honesty in it. In Christ we find a
joy that is deep and lasting. In Him we find hope that is unshakeable. Through Him we can become amazing eternal
beings with glorious splendor. But, none of these things will be found if we
chase quick fixes and easy answers through religion! They grow in those who learn to ‘keep in step
with the Spirit’ and who are willing follow Jesus to the Cross. "Jesus said to the crowd, “If any of
you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder
your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you
will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. And
how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose or forfeit your own
soul in the process?" (Luke 9:23-25, NLT)
The Cross is a symbol of terrible anguish. The Cross? He offers that to us? What joy is
there in suffering and dying? Yes, He
does, because following Good Friday comes Resurrection Sunday! The true glory
of Jesus is not in the miracles of feeding thousands, raising Lazarus, or
hugging little children lovingly. We make much of those stories because they
appeal to us. They are lovely stories,
but the BIG STORY is not revealed until the last chapters of the Gospel. The empty tomb is proof that sin and death
are defeated and that we are no longer destined for a grave. “Because I live, you will live also,” He
promised and then He proved it. That is why the Bible calls on us to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and
perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross,
scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not
grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:2-3, NIV)
It’s time for authenticity in our faith walk. We need to
answer this question- what is my expectation of Christ Jesus? Am I hoping that He will help me, make my
kids successful, keep hard things from my life, and let me live in comfort and
happiness? Do I want the promise of
Heaven secured by Him without the difficulties of discipleship? If that’s what you’re looking for, you will
find little or no joy. Why? Because you won’t be able to enjoy the pleasures of
the present world fully nor will you find the joy of intimacy with the
Lord. “Choose today whom you will serve ,” is the challenge of the Word
that each of us must hear and to which we must respond.
Here’s the word from the Word. May the Spirit make it a
living word and lead us to life. "If
we’ve left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old
house there? Or didn’t you realize we packed up and left there for good? That
is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country
of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new
country of grace—a new life in a new
land! That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered
into the water, it is like the burial of
Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of
Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that
we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country."
(Romans 6:2-5, The Message)
___________
Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)
Alleluia! Alleluia,
For the Lord God
Almighty reigns.
Alleluia! Alleluia,
For the Lord God
Almighty reigns.
Alleluia!
Holy, holy,
Are You Lord God,
Almighty.
Worthy is the Lamb!
Worthy is the Lamb!
You are holy, holy,
Are You Lord God,
Almighty.
Worthy is the Lamb!
Worthy is the Lamb!
Amen.
Michael W. Smith
© 1990 Sony/ATV Milene Music
CCLI License # 810055
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