all-sufficient grace for EVEN ME!
2Co 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
2Co 8:10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
From the throne of glory to a dirty manger He came, His grace strong enough to overcome the 4000 years of rebellion that man had already grieved Him with. He submitted Himself to the influences of pain, weakness, poverty, hunger, thirst, rejection, abuse, temptation, fear and so much more. His poverty was more than just giving up the wealth and worship He enjoyed in glory. He demonstrated to us that not only was He willing to pay a debt that we could not pay and that He did not owe but that He would also be an example of how to set aside the comforts, wealth and pleasures on the earth, to take off the fine apparel and gird ourselves with a towel to wash the feet of others. I have not followed that example nearly enough.
Forward a year ago, what an oft preached statement. For the world that means one step closer to retirement, bigger nest eggs and a nicer car. For Christ, it was further abuse, escalated rejection, increased poverty, more villages to preach in, more feet to wash, more people to minister to - until the culmination - the resurrection - when His work was complete, the joy that was set before Him began to be fulfilled and He took His rightful place at the right hand of the throne of God where He ever lives to make intercession for us (think about that-praying for us)
The richest rewards and payouts are typically with the most costly and often risky investments. This is where there is a difference
- there is a cost to serve God versus fulfilling the lust of our flesh - but not near the price that we deserve to pay for the sin that we are saved from - and eventually we realize that the "temporary cost" is still so beneficial in the relationships formed, the strengthening of family, the trouble that you dont end up in because you live more responsibly and especially the communion we get to enjoy with our Saviour
- there is no risk involved - His word is true - it is a blessed hope we have - even when the message we bring is rejected we are laying up treasure in glory. What amazing grace God has shown us!
2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Would that eternity was always on my heart, how often I fail so miserably, grieve God, lightly esteem the Rock of my salvation - and yet He is there to forgive and restore!
O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me...
I thank God through Jesus Christ - Rom 7:25
1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
How great is His love for us - I can't wait for the day when we will no longer be bound by these bodies of flesh and can live with Him in perfection and glory!
2 comments:
Hey, Aaron! I've heard that the Lewis family will be at our church tonight. Looking forward to hearing him present his ministry!
Yes, we had a great day with their family. It has been such a blessing that both of the missionaries I worked with in the Philippines have now passed through and spent time with us. it has been a great blessing and encouragementfor my family and I as we prepare. The service was great last night, the Lord used brother Travis' message in many of our hearts.
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