You ever hear a statement and it causes you to reflect; to think on something totally different than what the statement was intended to mean?
Today my son burst out in a joke as he was getting ready to make breakfast. My ears heard it and my heart grab a hold of it; it was piercing.
As a Christian, are we committed to Christ? Is our involvement in his body, his church sufficient?
In the Book of Hebrews we read that for the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame (Hebrews 12:2b). Joy for who? What part of nails piercing your skin, gasping for breath, bruised and beat until you are unrecognizable; what part of that is joy? There is a satisfaction that's fulfilled when that which you are committed to is complete.
I can't say I fully understand how this marvelous plan of God fully unfolded--I just don't have all that insight. What the Lord had revealed is that he is devoted in the pursuit of me! His steadfast chase and unswerving love for me is evident on the cross. Who is willing to die for a stranger, how about a friend? When we take a closer look he is dying for sinners; for men and women who despise his arrival on earth. Whether we understood his faithfulness or not, we cheered on the expiration of this life.
Engage him and you will sense there is more to this man. Sit and listen and he will cause something to awaken in us. Follow him and he will teach you not only about himself, but we will learn that the secrets of our heart are being exposed.
Worship him and others will ridicule you. Speak of his goodness and every demon in hell will try to silence you. He is the Finder of the lost.
Shun Him, Dismiss Him, Refuse to believe in Him...Yet He is who He says He is.
Commitment of this kind was demonstrated in the form of death. A devoted and loyal Son. Kill him if you must and he will rise again. His death satisfies the penalty against me. His blood purifies and has purchased me. Committed until he sat at the right hand of God. Committed until I see him one day when he calls me home. For the doubter, he'll show his scars. He will rise and sit by the fire with you to encourage us to preserver.
He charges us with a commitment to His Kingdom. To Peter, the Lord charges him with taking care of his sheep (John 21:16). What has he charged you with? Are you committed? Commitment requires death; death to ourselves that we may serve another; to transfer our allegiance to another kingdom! The question is, are we committed or involved? Involvement is good. It allows us to participate but at any time we can escape and return to whatever kingdom lures us. Commitment is dying to myself and engaging in a Kingdom that was made available to me by the King himself. Crucified, died, rose again and is seated at the right hand of God Almighty; he still thinks of me and intercedes on my behalf.
Life can be funny.
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)
Breakfast time. "Mom do you want some eggs and bacon", my son asks. I replied, "sure". "Mom, do you know the difference between commitment and involvement"? There is silence in the room. He replies,"in this breakfast, the chicken is involved, but the pig is committed".
God bless you!~Liz
www.lizrod.com
