Walking dead. Most of us were, before Christ. Why? 
Image credit: Philip J. Currie. Dinosaur Museum
Because though we breathed and ate and went about life, we were dead—because God's spirit was not in us. We can blame Adam and Eve all we want, but that's the truth; sin passed down from generation to generation has separated us from God.
Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned...
Have you noticed how you and I so easily lusted, lied, schemed, and craved power or attention—as if the world revolved around us? These may not have been overt behavior but they nonetheless percolated in our minds and hearts.
As far as Jesus is concerned, you've murdered someone even if you just thought it. Notice how pornography and the sleazy images you've googled encamp in your mind, goading you to google more of it? Or when you've been hooked on gambling or drinking or dope, you could not get out of it?
We need not be the walking dead any longer.
Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, our Creator—the mighty God—came down from His heavenly throne to save us. He took on the form of man. Taught us the way back to the Father. Then died the most horrible way, nailing our sin on the cross with Him. That we may die to sin and live again!
Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
That's what being born again is all about. It's no longer I who live, but Christ in me!
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.A lot of baloney, some say. Concocted by feeble minds—escapists who retreat to religion or delusions because they're incapable of facing life's issues squarely on their face.
Yet who can argue with millions all over the world whose lives have been changed?
Paul—a Pharisee of the Pharisees, self-righteous and arrogant—met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Changed! How many more Pauls are out there today sharing and preaching the gospel, braving ridicule (yes, even from their families), persecution and death, because they've followed Jesus.
How many would testify they were almost suicidal, without hope, hateful, unforgiving, their lives a total mess—walking dead—yet met Jesus; and they began to live again.
Jesus came that you and I may have life. Eternal. Abundant. Overflowing. Full of peace and joy. Yes, in spite of pestilence or wars or earthquakes or tsunamis. And yes, in spite of yourself! How can anyone say no to that?
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your love. You are God yet you've reached down to save me from myself. I repent of my sins. I confess you as my Savior and my Lord. Help me to obey. In your most precious name, I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment