The Eternal Tense of Forgiveness

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 

Colossians 1:21-22 NIV

God's goal, his end in mind, is to present you holy in his sight. He will deal with the blemishes and accusations. Sometimes the problem for us is that we still live as if we are alienated from God. We make choices as if we are still an enemy of God. 

In a way there is no tense that can adequately express the depth of the work of Christ on our sins. To say that we are forgiven doesn't just mean from the sins of the past and now we get to try to be perfect again. The reconciliation of death of Christ is eternal. Not just past, not just present, not just future, but eternal. When Christ died on the cross he knew we would sin, our whole life. He views us from eternity. His purpose is to present you holy, unblemished and free from accusation. 

Whatever you are struggling with, whatever you are going through, keep seeking Christ because he died to free you, not watch you try to be good enough. 

It's Not About the Mat

Legalism always gets us looking in the wrong direction. Legalism focuses on the outward manifestation of right or wrong while faith starts from the inner being, the heart.  

Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

Luke 5:22-26 NIV

It may be easier to say, "Your sins are forgiven," but, to say, "Get up and walk," and actually heal the paralyzed man...that demonstrated Christ's authority. 

As my friends in the south would say, "Let me ask you this," which is harder to do heal the paralyzed man or forgive his sins? Frankly, the death of Christ on the cross shows us that to forgive our sins is the costliest and most difficult thing in all of history, if not eternity. 

Think about it. The heavens and earth were created with a word. Our redemption cost the death of Christ, his separation from the Father, his humiliation as a man. He left eternity and was stuck in time. In human form he experienced our need, our pain, our hunger. At the moment of his death he cried out and "the curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom. The earth shook and rocks split. The tombs broke open..." (Matthew 27:51-52a). 

Back to the mat. Jesus may heal you, but, what you need is forgiveness.  When Christ says he will forgive your sins, it's no mere flippant word by Jesus.  Christ may tell you to pick up your mat and walk, but, don't forget he forgave your sins. 

The Upside Down Kingdom

Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!"

Mark 15:29-30

The world just doesn't get it. Jesus didn't come to save himself, he came to save sinners, to save you and me.

The Kingdom of God is not like the world's kingdoms which are all about who's on top, no, the Kingdom of God is the upside down kingdom. Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, came not to be served but to serve. Jesus was not on the cross to make himself king, he already was king. Jesus was on the cross to get us into the kingdom.

Thank you, Jesus, that you died for me. Thank you that you endured the cross so that I might be in your kingdom. Thank you, my Lord and my King. 

VINDICATION BY DEATH

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 

  “He committed no sin,and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Peter 2:21-25 (NIV)

When Christ was being crucified he entrusted himself to him who judges justly, his father. And we entrust ourselves to Jesus who is the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. 

Think about this: Christ entrusted himself to him who judges justly to ensure justice, via the grace to be made possible by his death on the cross, for us. Now this may be hard to hear but, the example we need to follow is dying to ourselves. It's not so much about God vindicating us, but about us being like Christ even when, or especially when, we are suffering unjustly. Trusting God that he has us where he wants us, even when we are being treated unjustly, requires that we die to ourselves. Our need to to live for righteousness where we are at. 

This hits very close to home for me. Actually, it's a bull's eye. Because I can not see the end from the beginning, as God can do, I must die to myself and wait upon him, trusting that he has me where he wants me. It's not where I want to be, but where he wants me. My choice is to live by faith and love others within the circumstances. It's hard. It's killing me. But I entrust myself to the Shepherd and Overseer of my soul.

Father, help us to entrust ourselves to you, the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. Give us a glimpse today. Praise be to you in us today!

HE'S BEEN THERE

"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death, he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil - and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." Hebrews 2:14-15

I just got back from a week of summer Boy Scout camp with my son and his Troop. One thing I noticed was how the boys whose parents came up acted when their parents were there. They were a little more confident, a little more focused. 

I also watched some boys playing some basketball and there was a boy taller than most of the other boys. When he was on the team, those boys around him were pretty confident. He blocked shot after shot. In a similar way, we should know that since Christ is for us, it does not matter that the devil is against us, because Christ defeated death and the devil at the cross. 

When you are struggling with something remember that Christ became human to know and understand perfectly what we go through. Christ knows. Christ understands. He shares your struggles. If he dealt with death, the greatest of problems, he can surely deal with anything else.

Father, thank for sending Jesus to share in our humanity to rescue us completely! Open our eyes to see you in our lives. Praise be to you in us today!

BOY SCOUTS AND GODLINESS / Titus 2:13-14

"While we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:13-14

My youngest son is in Scouting and he just transitioned from a Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. He had to learn the Scout Oath and Law. We had a Court of Honor meeting last night and our troop does a potluck. As we were getting in the car my son held the door open for his sister to get in first. That does not always happen. But, going to the scout meeting reminded him to act like a scout. I think that is kind of like us and the second coming of Christ. Realizing that Christ is coming should give us extra motivation to good. 

I think I should be eager to do what is good naturally. Unfortunately we do have a sinful nature that seeks self gratification without thought of the consequences.  It is worse than eating something that you know will give you heartburn later. It is worse because sin sometimes leaves a scar or a hook. But, doing what is godly, living a life of love in faith, never leaves a scar and doesn't hook you but frees you. When we do what is good, which is love as Christ loved us, we will reap the fruit of righteousness. 

Here's the to do: Be good to other people. How will you be good to your spouse today? Your kids? Your fellow workers or employees? Love as Christ has loved you...

Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your love toward us. Thank you for your forgiveness, patience, grace and mercy. Your faithfulness is amazing! Help us to love as you have loved us! Praise be to you in us today!

GOT HOPE / Titus 2:13

"While we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." Titus 2:13

Well, it's Friday. Thank God it's Friday! That is a sentiment echoed by many people every Friday. Maybe it has been a very stressful week, or you just looking forward to being with people or a person who you really enjoy being with. 

Waiting for our Savior's return is that to the nth degree! In Revelation 7:14 and 21:4 we are told that God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. Have you ever been in that place where you just know God is in control and everything is going to work out for the best and all is well? That is eternity with Christ...

When our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ comes again he will come in victory. He will fight the final battle and destroy the enemy. Whatever is against us now will be forever defeated. Yes, in this world we will have tribulation. But, when Christ comes again, all that is against us, every power and every accusation, will be destroyed by the power of his word!

Lord, give us hope and help us to see the hope we have in you. Praise be to you in us today!

THE LORD WILL RESCUE YOU!: II Timothy 4:18

"The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring  me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen." II Timothy 4:22

If you seek to follow Christ and do what is right, you will be opposed. There is an enemy in this world that seeks to use anything and everything to oppose all who seek to live a godly life.  The good news is that greater is he that is in me than be that is in the world! Paul knew that no matter what he went through, the Lord would rescue him in the end. Not only that he knew that God would bring him safely home. 

The good news is not that you will never be attacked, it is that you will be attacked but, in Christ, you will be rescued. 

Father, thank you that you will rescue me and bring me home to your heavenly kingdom! Praise be to you in us today and all eternity!

SALVATION FOR YOU! I Thesssalonians 5:9-11

I remember my first year teaching and I was getting a few things ready before class one morning. I heard my name being called over the intercom and that I was to report to the office. As a classic middle child/oldest son I started asking myself what I did wrong that I was being called to the Principals' office, as a teacher! It turned out to be something unrelated to me but my presence was requested (which is a story for another day). My point is that as a middle child/oldest son I expect to get the blame. But as a Christian, that is not the way it is. 

"For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." I Thessalonians 5:9-11

Appoint is such a strong word. Think about it. To be appointed is to be placed in a position. For many people who believe in reincarnation their lot in life is appointed. That is one reason why poverty is so pervasive in India. People are trying to be good poor people so in the next life they can move up to a higher station in life. 

Christianity is not like that. We were not placed in a position to receive wrath. We have been placed in Christ to receive salvation through him. That is what God has appointed us for, to receive salvation. He died for us that we can live together with him. That is why Christ died. He died so we could enjoy being part of his family, encouraging and building each other up. 

Today's To Do's: 1. Receive salvation through out Lord Jesus Christ and what that means for you today! 2. Encourage someone else. Just watch what happens. 3. Build each other up. Help someone else succeed. Watch God work!

Father, help us  to receive your salvation, encourage one person and build someone up today! Praise be to you in us today!