(I have to admit as I post this, my initial thought was; “Think of something cleverer to talk about…” like the message of the gospel isn’t enough. Or we have heard it enough times that we don’t need to be reminded of the life of Jesus, and it is because of this foolishness in my heart that I share this with you. It is because we so desperately need to be reminded of the saving grace of Jesus that I write knowing that nothing else I could say is as important as what Jesus said to us on the cross. Luke 23:34 “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Romans 6:6-7
“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would not longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.” (ESV)
I have had a lot of time to reflect on my life over the past few weeks. I have spent mornings in silence, sitting in awe and wondering why would the creator of the universe care about me? Why would He save me? With all that is going on in the world, in our cities, in our family, in our own lives…why would he care for and love me?!? Why would he love you?!?
I mean lets face it none of us have a great track record, we are selfish, we love ourselves and long for ‘stuff’ more then life, well most seconds of our lives anyways. Our minds are generally sick and twisted; we treat people as a means to end rather then those that bear the image of God. I am convinced that we are by nature sinful (Rom. 5:12-13,18-19; Rom. 3:2…not to mention The Fall) and yet God still, being faithful in love and grace…loves us.
In fact God by his grace allows us to die to our sin, to become a new creation in Him, in Jesus Christ. I for one have experienced first hand this freeing work of the cross, it’s not a neat story that sounds good to say when things get bad…but the fact of the matter is; because of Jesus’ obedience to the Father in going to the cross, and in dying to myself and surrendering my life, my sin was nailed their with him. I no longer live in guilt and shame of a ‘man’ I once was, but I live as child of the most high God.
I would argue this should bring us to a place of celebration, as this freedom has been made readily available to us all.
1Timothy 1:14-16 says; “and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life”
I really do try to celebrate the work of the cross in my life, but this morning as I was praying I realized that the best way for me to celebrate Jesus is through obedience and surrender. To remain faithful to scripture and in doing so surrendering my life to what ever it is that God would call me to do.
Now I don’t claim this as a new idea, or even my idea for that matter, but I do feel that I am experiencing true joy in being obedient and surrendering this life. I am seeing the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) come to fruition in my life…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
My heart does not long to celebrate God’s grace by celebrating me, or you…I want to find life in dying to me. I want to be sure that all signs of my life point “Yes, this is because of Jesus.”
I want to celebrate Jesus with obedience and surrender.
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