Category Archives: Truths for Life

Truths about God’s character as revealed in the Bible and how these truths can strengthen our faith and help us through life.

At what price would you value Jesus?

What an odd question! Afterall, it is not like we are buying Jesus. Yet, how we “price” Jesus is very important in our relationship with God.

A few years ago, I read this verse in John 5:22-23:

  • “For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. “

Verse 23, gave me pause. I think of God, the Father and honor Him. But, am I honoring Jesus? This verse makes it clear that we are “to honor” the Son, Jesus, as intentionally as we honor the Father. This verse highlights the truth that Jesus states in John 10:30 that the Father is One with the Son.

What does it mean to “honor”?
In the context of John 5:23, the word “honor” is used four times in this verse, and two times it is the same Greek word τιμῶσι transliterated timosi. It is first used in reference to God the Father, and the second time to Jesus, the Son.

What does τιμάω /τιμῶσι mean? Literally it means: to price; to fix a valuation on; to assign value/worth to a person or object; to prize with the implication of venerate and revere.(See: https://biblehub.com/greek/5091.htm and  https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5091/esv/mgnt/0-1/ )

We all associate “honor” with praise. Having a proper sense of the value of Jesus will lead to our praising Him as well as obeying Him in a devoted way.

Lack of Faith De-values Jesus
As we read the story of Jesus in the gospel of Matthew 27:9, we see that the sons of Israel (the “people of God”) valued Jesus at 30 pieces of silver.

  • “Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on Him by the people of Israel…”

The religious leaders of Israel and many of the sons of Israel did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, Immanuel-God in the flesh (Read: Mt. 1:22-23; John 8:23-26). Because of their unbelief they de-valued Jesus. They did not “prize” Him therefore they did not hold him as sacred, and venerate Him or obey Him.

Growing in Valuing Jesus
One of the ways that I am coming to have a greater sense of “valuing/honoring” Jesus is by reading truths in the scriptures of what Jesus has done for me. As I read these verses I see Jesus more clearly.

But, before I go any further, I have to say that to “value” Jesus, I need to see the depth and the power of my sinful nature. It is kind of like seeing “prized” diamonds on a black backdrop. The black backdrop shows the brilliance of the diamonds.

So, let’s look at what we have in Jesus.

Redemption in Jesus
Romans 3:23-25b states that we have redemption in Jesus through His atoning blood.

  • “… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation (atonement) by his blood, to be received by faith.”

 We have redemption in Christ Jesus. He is my/your Redeemer. Jesus redeemed us, “bought us” out of the kingdom of darkness and brought us into His kingdom of light. Read Colossians 1:13-14, which reveals how the Father redeemed us through Jesus.

No Condemnation in Jesus
Romans 8:1-2 states that God in Jesus removes all condemnation from us. What a relief to our mind and spirit!

  • “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

Condemnation is a heavy word. In Greek it refers to a penalty handed down after due process shows guilt. Jesus’ sacrifice and atoning blood removes both our guilt and the penalty, which is spiritual death, eternal separation from God. Also read: Hebrews 2:9 and Romans 5:18.

Access to God through Jesus
I long to be near God, I think you do too or you would not be reading this. Jesus gives us access to God, to be able to draw near to Him, to be in His presence and to be able to interact with Him.

In speaking of the Gentiles and the Jews, the writer of the Ephesian letter reveals this truth about Jesus to us in Eph. 2:17-18:

  • “And He (Jesus) came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.”

And again, we see this truth in Ephesians 3:12, and Hebrews 10:19:

  • “In Him (Jesus) and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence.”
  • “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…”

God’s Handiwork Created in Christ Jesus
When you are feeling that your life has no value, or you have no purpose meditate on this truth – a blessing in Jesus that is found in Ephesians 2:8-10:

  • “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

All who are in Christ through faith have been and are being made new. In Jesus. We are new creations, daily being changed and transformed in character and nature. This truth is confirmed in 2 Cor. 3:18:

  • “And we all, with unveiled face (nothing obscuring our sight), beholding the glory (and value) of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (Italics my words)

His Value Is Your Value
There are many other passages in the Bible that reveal what I call the “in, from, by and through Jesus” truths, and these passages showing us Jesus’ value, that we may honor/prize Him.

These truths help me grasp the value of Jesus and open my mind, will and soul to honor Jesus. In valuing Jesus, we begin to understand our value to Him and the Father.

I encourage you to use this article as the starting point for your own study and meditation on this idea of knowing the true value of Jesus and prizing Him.

The Importance of Valuing Others

“Sarita would walk with her shoulders hunched and her head ducked. She was skinny, even afraid of her own shadow. Would her life ever change? Sarita grew up on the island of Kiniwata in the Pacific. Her father hardly believed that she would ever find a husband.

One day, a very skilled and smart man nicknamed Johnny Lingo noticed Sarita and wanted to marry her. The custom was to bring a dowry to the parents of the wife-to-be, and cows were the customary gift. Everyone knew that two to three cows could be given for a nice wife; four to five cows would be customary for a very nice one. So, the people of Kiniwata were astounded when they heard that Johnny Lingo, without bargaining, gave eight cows for Sarita.

Weeks after the wedding, Shenkin, a shopkeeper on the island, came to deliver a gift Johnny had bought for Sarita. Shenkin could not believe his eyes! The Sarita he had known weeks before had become a very beautiful woman. She was graceful and showed inner confidence and dignity. What had happened?

Johnny had known that a woman would feel degraded knowing that a low-value dowry was offered for her. Because Johnny valued Sarita so much, Sarita changed. Her posture and the look in her eyes showed that she had grown and blossomed. How Sarita viewed herself was the key. Now she knew she was worth more than any other woman on the island to Johnny.” (This story was told in an article in Reader’s Digest, February 1988).

 Do you see what God sees?
Having value and being valued is something each of us wants to feel. I daresay, we long to be valued. Many of us orient our whole life around being valued by others. I know that I have done this, and I think, you have too.  We find meaning in life through our value. We achieve in order to be valued. We love in order to be valued.

Our own “value” is important to each of us. Our true value is found in God. God demonstrated His value of us by giving His Son, Jesus, as the sin offering so that we can be connected to God. It is only when we understand the source of our value that we change, and equally important that we can see the value in others. This simple story about Sarita shows how seeing other people for their true value has a way of drawing out and forming that value in them.

Who do you value?
Besides valuing ourselves, we tend to value others we perceive as being like us. We tend to dismiss and not value those who have physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities; those who are from a lower economic class; those with less formal education; the immigrant, the foreigner, the refugee, to name a few.

When I read this story about Saria and as I understand God’s valuing of me, I had to seriously consider some questions.  Who do I spend time with? Who do I/ who do you make room for at the table at school, at work, at church? Which group or clique are you trying to get into and why? Who are you ruling out of your group? Whose name do you casually insert in a conversation to link yourself with them in order to raise your value in the eyes of others?

Jesus asks a pointed question, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.,” Luke 6:32. It is a question worthy of my reflection, especially if I claim to be a disciple of Jesus.

Jesus – The Value Maker
Throughout the gospels, we read account after account of Jesus valuing those that people, especially religious people, did not value. To whom did Jesus reach out and minister?

In Mark 5:1-8, we read of a man who lived among the tombs and who was sorely troubled and distressed wandering the graveyard crying out and cutting himself. I daresay that not many of us would reach out to that man, after all, he is not safe and what would other people think if they saw me with him. We probably are not going to extend hospitality to him.

The townspeople’s response to this man was to fear him and to chain and shackle him. They did not want him to be around them. He had not value to them; he was just an annoyance. But Jesus met the man where he was, at the edge of the tombs. Jesus conversed with him, asked questions, and saw the value of this man hidden under all the dirt, bloody cuttings, smells and his strange behaviors. Jesus took time and used His spiritual power and compassion to restore value to this man.

In John 4:4-30, we read of a “fallen” woman, who was rejected by her community to the point that she had to come to draw water from the town well during the heat of the day because she was not welcome to be in the company of the other women. After all, what “self-respecting, morally upright” village woman would want to be seen in the company of the known town adulterous!

I venture to say that many of us “spiritual” women would perhaps do a similar thing today. We would not want to be associated with such a woman; it might harm our reputation. In addition, helping her might require too much time and effort. Afterall, we are busy people with our families and ministering to our “select others.”

But Jesus, saw the amazing value in this woman. She did not know about her value in God. It is clear that her husbands, or her community did not give her value.

Even though this woman presented herself to Jesus in a contentious manner as she peppered him with questions, Jesus persisted.

He was tired and thirsty, but took time to invest in her, to sit in the heat and talk to her. Indeed, He even revealed to her some secrets of the kingdom of God, as well as His true identity. He treated her as a woman of value, not one to be avoided and scorned. He was right to invest time and truth in her, she ended up bringing the whole town out to hear His gospel of living water.

So, what about us?
There are many more examples of Jesus reaching out to the those whom we would label the “undesirable, the marginal, the unwanted.” I am grateful that God does not see me as unwanted, undesirable, even though after coming to faith in Jesus, I still do not have my act together.

The scriptures indicate that God loves us in our “unlovable” times, Romans 5:8 states, “that while we were still sinners, Christ died for the ungodly.” In fact, He is devoted to us.

God has given us two overarching commands: “… ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments,” Matt. 22:36-40. These commands are core to our relationship with God.

In speaking to His disciples, Jesus unveils what the second command looks like when He said; “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,”
John 13:34-35.

Jesus left an example for us. If we are His followers, then we will look to His example to know how to love others. Loving others like Jesus loves is not easy. However, I am encouraged and given hope when I remember, I am not in this alone. Jesus has given us His Spirit who has “poured God’s love into our hearts,” Romans 5:5. So, the love we need is already in us.

There is even more hope for us in the truth that the Holy Spirit is transforming our hearts, souls, will and character as we walk with Him. So, let us show forth His image by loving others.

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

Bring Them!

Imagine the depth of fear and panic when you realize your only child is suddenly dangerously ill. You cannot think; you can barely breathe. You search your mind to think of what you did, or did not do, that may have contributed to this. You desperately claw through the fear to think of ways to fix it.

I heard a story about a child who fell and had a serious head injury. She came into the ER with her mother’s arms strapped around her. The mother was gasping for breath as she wept over her unconscious child. She was heard murmuring over and over, “I only turned my back for a few seconds.” The mother’s grip was like an iron vise around her daughter; she would not let go; she would not surrender her daughter to the care of others. The doctors had to sedate the mother, before they could work on her daughter.

Most parents understand the gut twisting fear that lodges in us when we see our children in danger or hurting. The age of our children does not reduce the concern and fear. They can be 3, 13, or 43, but the angst inside us remains.

The type of danger or troubles our children face, be it a physical health challenge; a learning disability; a mental health problem; bullying or other social relationship difficulties, and even spiritual confusion and lostness does not stop the desperate desire we have for the wholeness, well-being and safety for our children.

Whether we face these troubles short term or drawn out over time, I want to recommend bringing Jesus on the journey with our children.

God’s Heart Revealed
The scriptures reveal the heart and the integrity of Jesus for our children. Through out the years of caring for my child, or as a teacher in caring for the children of others, I have come to learn that the truths about Jesus’ love as revealed in scripture provide reassurance and hope for parents.

God’s heart for our children is spotlighted in the accounts of Jesus with children. The scriptures below reveal the value God holds for our children.

  • Luke 18:16-17- But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
  • Mark 9:36-37-Then He had a little child stand among them. Taking the child in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes not only Me, but the One who sent Me.”
  • Matthew 18:10, 12 – “See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven … What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?
  • Verses 10 and 12, describe the value with which God regards our children. The value and regard for a child, and the value that would cause a shepherd to leave 99 sheep and go find the one lost sheep, is the same kind of valuing that God has for each one of our children. . As a parent, I can rest knowing that God has this kind of all out value for my child.

The Heart of God for Children  – Revealed in the Actions of Jesus!
The scriptures above reveal God’s value and love for children. Jesus puts flesh on God’s love. Jesus interacted with children and their parents.  He acted on their behalf and for their well-being. There are several accounts of Jesus helping parents and children.

One story we read demonstrates Jesus’ love and care as He uses His power to heal a boy whom He never saw or touched. In John 4:47-54, we see a parent approaching Jesus and asking Him to heal his son. At first, it seems that Jesus rebukes the man for wanting “to see Jesus actually healing his son.” We get this thought from Jesus’ response: “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” Jn. 4:48

I love the fact that this man is not offended or put off by Jesus’ seeming rebuke, but rather, in faith the man presses the issue. The man (the royal official) said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”

This is a parent who is desperate. He does not indulge himself in an emotional response to Jesus’ rebuke, or give into fear for his son; but rather, in faith and in fierce protective mode for his son, the man pushed Jesus further. I confess I might have been offended or intimidated by Jesus’ response and have given up.

This time Jesus replies, “Go, your son will live.” Interesting that Jesus seems to hand the man yet another challenge to his faith. In a sense, Jesus is saying: “I am not coming to your house to take your child’s hand and say prayers over him. Go home. I’ve got this. My power is not limited by time and space.”

Again, I would have felt dismissed, ignored, and said something like, “I can’t believe I came to you for help and you don’t even have enough sympathy for my situation that you won’t come to my home and try to help me.”

When Jesus tells the man to go home, the man does. He does not linger trying persuade Jesus to come with him. This man had seen what Jesus could do. He took it into his heart and mind and “believed.” So, when Jesus says, “Go home, your son will live.” This man took Jesus at His word, trusted, and went home. I pray for that kind of faith, the believing without seeing faith.

This parent in John 4, sets and example for me. Jesus is God. I can rest in the truth that Jesus loves my children and acts through time and space on their behalf when I ask Him.

Jesus Understands a Parent’s Fear
We see a similar interaction of Jesus on behalf of a parent and child in Mark 5:21-43. In this account, a father, by the name of Jairus, pursues Jesus amidst the throng in the market place.  Jairus asks Jesus to come and to heal his daughter. Jairus is challenged by time; the need for Jesus to act quickly, and by the increasing crowds.

Jesus agrees to go to Jairus’ house, but on the way, Jesus stops to heal a woman in need. As I put myself in Jairus’ place I know I would have been filled with fear, anxiety and maybe even anger that Jesus would spend precious time on this woman instead of making haste to my house to heal my dying daughter.

I imagine Jairus pacing in place and huffing as Jesus turns around to find the one who touched Him in the crowd. The scripture does not reveal Jairus’ thoughts during this time, but it is likely that Jesus’ stopping to heal the woman was a challenge to his faith, yet at the same time it may have increased his faith, because Jairus sees the depth of love and compassion that Jesus has for one woman.

Another faith challenge is presented to Jairus as he arrives outside his home. He is greeted by people telling him not to bother Jesus any longer because there is no hope -His daughter is dead. But, Jesus, recognizing what a challenging time this is for these parents, tells Jairus not to listen to those voices. Jesus then raises the daughter from death and returns her to her parents.

When my child is in trouble with sickness, or relationships, or troubles with school work, or questioning his/her faith; what voices will I believe?

Draw Down Hope from Jesus
We can draw down faith and hope from the actions and love of Jesus. No matter what voices of fear, doubt, accusation, or blame call to us in our minds, we can choose to overrule these thoughts and feelings by the truth we read in scripture about Jesus, and by the truth we know about Him from our own experience with Him.

That truth is that Jesus is God, and He is ever willing and able to help us and our children as we experience different troubles in life.  So, I want to encourage us to take a fresh look at the accounts of Jesus with parents and children in the scriptures, and bring the truths we see about Him into our lives and the lives of our children.

Finishing Strong

One of my favorite characters in the Lord of the Rings is Samwise Gamgee. He presents as real and very human. In this tale of the struggle between light and dark, Samwise exhibits a faith, loyalty and a strength of character that go far beyond what we would expect of the average hobbit.

Close to the end of the book as Sam and Frodo labor their way up Mount Doom, Sam senses the heaviness of their task, and feels the inevitability of their death. He thinks:
“. . . we are going to die, and we should just lay down, curl up in a ball and sleep and die. But then – then something happened – even as hope seemed to die in Sam, it was turned into a new strength. Sam’s plain hobbit face grew stern, almost grim, as the will hardened in him, and he felt through all his limbs a thrill, as if he was turning into some creature of stone and steel that neither despair nor weariness nor endless barren miles could subdue.”

At the end of the journey, Sam came into a clear perspective of the goal and was renewed in hope and strength. He was able to finish strong and help his friend to do the same.

Changes in the Dark
Laying in the dark craigs of Mount Doom, Sam was being turned into something of greatness.
Scripture teaches us that dark/difficult times indeed do make us stronger, and lift us to a higher version of who God is forming us to be. We know that God uses all things in our life, even those shadowy dark times, to conform us to the image of His Son.

  • Romans 8:28-29a – “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.29For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son . . .”

In December of 2021 I was diagnosed with a somewhat rare blood disorder a myeloproliferative neoplasm. In my case, it was caused by a mutation which affects the bone marrow and how it produces platelets. I was told there was no cure but the immediate risk of a heart attack or stroke from too many platelets could be managed by medication. At this time my doctor and I are trying different rotations of the medication in order to find what manages the platelet number most effectively. Both the medication and the mutation can produce other significant issues that we seek to control.  Already it has affected the production of red blood cells in my body, limiting the amount produced and changing their size. All of which diminish the life force energy in my body.

So, as I sit in the craigs of Mount Doom, or as the scriptures say: “walk in the valley of the shadow of death,” I must choose how I will face life “in this shadow.” What will I let this threat of darkness form in me? Despair, anger, bitterness, doubt, fear, self-pity; or faith, peace, hope, and light? It is a choice as to how I will live this time, and since we are all terminal, it is a choice that all of us should be considering.

What do I need to finish strong?
Faith in Salvation
We know we will die, but when we face this reality daily in our life – fears, insecurities and various feelings pop up. One of the first things I did was to ground myself in the truths about my relationship with God, and about my salvation.

The Spirit called to mind truths in God’s word that affirm to me that my salvation and the security of my relationship with God does not depend on what I have done, achieved, my heritage or my social standing.

The truth is Jesus died to procure forgiveness for my sins, He gives me His righteousness, and He brings me into God’s presence here as well as after death. I trust these eternal truths in order to resist doubt and fear and to help me finish strong.

  • “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.” Romans 3:23-24a
  • Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
  • In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence. Ephesians 3:12

Practice Living in the Presence of God
Each day, I will live in my relationship with God. Those of us who are “Christians” believe we have a relationship with God, but at times, we do not live with God’s presence as a reality.

Living as if the presence of God in our lives is real is different from reading the Bible and praying, although those activities are an important aspect of the presence of God in our life.

Making God’s presence real in my life is a way of moving through my day as if God was right by my side. So, I use the imagination God gave me and I insert myself in scripture truths. Such as from Psalm 23, I picture myself as a lamb leaning into the Good Shepherd, Jesus, as we prepare to walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

It is not only a way of thinking, but also a way of talking with God throughout the day; acknowledging Him before I do something; consulting with Him about decisions I make, sharing with Him how I am feeling at any given moment. (Prov. 3:6; 16:3; 1 Peter 5:7)

In the morning I have coffee with God and talk with Him about my sins, my struggles, my plans for the day, people I love, and people that I will interact with during the day.

Sometimes the intensity of the activities of my day and the speed at which they transpire can block my awareness of God’s presence, so I slow down, draw boundaries, and deliberately take time to intentionally redirect my attention to God.

Practice Gratitude and Praise
I have a choice as I walk this valley, I can let the darkness and shadows, rule me, or I can look for the light. There is so much light in praising and thanking God. A grateful heart radiates light, faith and power.

Since the diagnosis, I have made it a rule ( a principle to live by) in my life which is to praise God when the sunrises; thank Him for breath of life each day. When the sun sets, I acknowledge His name and thank Him for this day. (Ps. 113:3, From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of Yahweh be praised.)

Meditating on His love, grace, and mighty works, brings light and strength in my mind and heart. I will praise God for He is my light and my salvation and He will help me finish strong.

  • The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. Exodus 15:2
  • Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Hallelujah!150:6
  • You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.16:11

Someone once said, “Until God opens the next door, praise Him in the hallway. “

Keep Building into the Lives of Others
Time is our greatest currency. I will invest in the people that God puts in my life for their good and God’s glory. I refuse to waste another minute, because the clock is ticking. I will give to others the faith, love, grace, peace, joy, and hope God has and is giving to me.

Acts 13:36 reports of David and his life; “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors …”.

In this stage of life God makes me more keenly aware that I do not live on this earth for my own purposes and desires. I belong to God and He to me and I belong to you and you to me. (Romans 12:5; John 17:20-21; Eph. 4:12)

I ask myself these questions to help me finish strong:

  • What am I doing with the time God has gifted me?
  • How many people will be stronger because I am here?
  • How many people will have a change of mind, perspective, and purpose because I am here?
  • How many people will know more about God because I am here?
  • How many people will believe in God because I am here?
  • Am I bearing forward the image of God or just shining my “self?”

It is my prayer that you and I will find the purpose that God has for us, and that we will live it out to the very finish.

Reflections
There is so much more that I am learning about finishing strong, like how I hope to build into my family while I am here with them.

This whole experience is a wake-up call to me about how I am living out my relationship with God. Am I on the “religious treadmill” or am I truly walking with God?

There is one who has gone before us and faced the darkness for us all. In Gethsemane, Jesus faced the darkness. He allowed it to descend on Him; he allowed it to crush Him, so that He could bring us into the presence of God. In the darkness of the cross, Jesus finished strong for you and me.

It does not matter if God grants me a miracle cure and fills me with strength and energy, what matters is that I live in faith in Him and honor Him with this life He has graciously given me through Jesus.

Wherever you are on your journey with God, at the beginning, mid-way or end, please take time to think about your relationship with God, and how you will live it out each day in order to finish strong with God.

We Can Only Imagine

Imagination is a part of our intellect. God created us with the ability to imagine and He expects us to use our imagination to grow in truth and faith, and connection with Him.

When we think of faith and the Word of God, we think of scholarly study involving analysis and exposition which is important to our growth. We rarely think of imagination in regard to Biblical truth, some may even call it frivolous. Yet, imagination is a key to growth in faith.

Neuroscience reports that we are more apt to think in pictures than in text. For example, if I were to ask you what you had for dinner last night, you would see yourself at the dinner table with your plate of chicken, rice and salad, or whatever. You would not see text in your mind as if it were a teleprompter listing off the things you ate. Upon calling up the picture of dinner in your mind you might even salivate, if you are hungry.

Tell me what is in the backseat of your car! What did you see? Did you see text listing the items in your backseat, or did you visualize your backseat with the child seat, the red umbrella and a box of tissues? Experience tells us you would see a picture in your mind of the contents of your backseat.

God and Imagination
God speaks to us in images, in pictures to encourage our faith and to lead us into knowledge of him.

I think this is a truth about God that is worthy of our attention, gratitude and praise. God wants us to know Him and be in a close relationship with Him. He meticulously crafted His word, His communication to us so that we may know Him and believe Him. God expects us to use all aspects of our cognitive processing to know Him.

Let’s look at some of the word pictures that God uses to help us see and know Him, His character and heart towards us.

In Isaiah 6:1-4, God uses a striking visual, through our imagining this visual, we catch a glimpse of the glory, majesty and greatness of God.

  • In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;    the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

Throughout the Psalms various writers have been inspired to provide words that create a picture in our mind to reveal God’s character and heart towards us. Without such images, we might not understand some of these truths.

Psalm 18:1-2 provides seven words that create a picture in our minds that reveal truth about God, who He is and wants to be in our life.

  • The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I want to focus on one of these words: stronghold. In English we hear stronghold and think of a fortress or a castle like structure. The KJV translates the word stronghold as “high tower.”

In Hebrew it is the word “misgab” which is different from the word form for fortress. “Misgab” brings out the idea of height, a stronghold that is secure in a height putting one safe above the trouble. So, while there is trouble all around us, in God – in our relationship with God, we are secure as in His high tower.

What an amazing picture that reveals God’s specific care of us. God does not always remove us from trouble, but He is showing us, literally, that He is a safe place amidst the trouble.

God does not use these specific word pictures for nothing. He is intent on communicating to you and me that He is a very safe and secure place. We are to connect this truth with ourselves. Imagine yourself in God’s high tower!

In the midst of the spiritual battle, in the midst of the struggles of life, I don’t always feel like I am secure in  a high tower, but nevertheless,  it is true. I need to trust the images God communicates, and imagine myself in that closeness with Him, in His protective place. This brings God’s truth into our reality.

Connecting Imagination to Truth
If you are a student of the Bible, I am sure you have seen may amazing visuals that God provides to us to reveal His closeness to us and His intention for us. God speaks to our imagination in numerous ways in the scriptures.

Here are a few more examples:

  • 2 Kings 6:16-17– God shows the truth of the spiritual world and how He is always fighting for us.  Think of this picture, imagine these spiritual forces helping you through a temptation of trial.
  • John14:1-3– Jesus uses a picture of a home in heaven with God, that, He, Jesus will personally bring us to. Yes, He is saying this to the disciples who are were with Him at that time, but it is a truth spoken in imagery to comfort us so that we can know there is a place for us with Him in eternity. When we picture ourselves going there with Jesus, we can grasp God’s intention for us and endure the troubles of this life.

You Inside Psalm 23
One of my favorite story pictures that I can easily imagine myself into is the tender care, guidance and protection of the Shepherd in Psalm 23.

Recently, I have been diagnosed with a blood disorder that puts me at high risk for blood clots, stroke, etc. I was told there is no cure, only a form of managing this disorder. In the course of treatment, a second problem has presented itself, which is a progression of decreased red blood cells which has a whole host of consequences for my body and health.

There are many ways that faith in God’s truths have been encouraging me during this “in the valley of the shadow of death” time. I have been reviewing truths about the basis of my salvation and renewing my faith in those truths.

The imagery through which God communicates in Psalm 23, is a spectacular support to my faith. Verses 4 and 6 stand out to me.

  • Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me . . . Surely (Your) goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

I read this and see it in my mind the way God intended.

  • I see myself as one of His sheep
  • He is standing next to me with His rod and staff to protect and lead me
  • We are looking into the valley
  • I am leaning into Him and He puts His reassuring hand on my head to remind me that He is walking this with me
  • I see His goodness and mercy following us, sometimes even getting ahead of us leading us to the house of the Lord in heaven.

This is an example of connecting with truths in the scripture through the visuals God provides, and through that part of our intellect which is imagination.

A Final Encouragement
I urge you to read the great truths of the Word of God. Seriously ponder the word pictures and various stories through which God communicates Himself to us. Begin to connect these truth to you and your relationship with God by using your imagination.

This type of meditation will strengthen your faith and your connection with God. I do caution you to combine scholarly study with the imaginative function of your mind to allow the truth to have full impact on your faith.

“Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things in Your law/teachings/Word.”
Psalm 119:18 

Likewise!

A priest, a Levite, a man and a Samaritan were traveling on the same road. No, this is not the opening statement of a “priest and Rabbi” joke. It is a life teaching spoken by Jesus, the Son of God.

Review Terms
First let’s review terms so we can understand what Jesus is teaching us.

  • Priest – The word for priest in this passage is “hiereus” and refers to one who offers sacrifices to a god.
  • Levite – A Levite was a member of the tribe of Levi, a descendant of Aaron, (Moses’ brother) the first priest appointed by God. The tribe of Levi was assigned by God to perform certain duties associated with the tabernacle or temple and worship.

This passage does not indicate anything further about the priest or the Levite. A Levitical      priest or any other priest were considered righteous and therefore doers of righteous acts.

  • Samaritan – In the days of Jesus the term Samaritan had a very negative implication. At one time the Samaritans were people of the Jewish nation.

Around 721 BC, the Assyrians conquered and captured the Northern Kingdom of Israel. They carried off many people to Assyria. Those who were left behind eventually intermarried with the Assyrians and other foreign nations. They created their own system of worship and used a version of the Pentateuch as their scriptures.

These practices caused the “Samaritans” to be forever scorned by the Jewish people. They were no longer considered members of the covenant nation of Israel. They were outcasts and referred to as Samaritans  or “dogs” not Israelites. The Samaritans were treated with hatred, prejudice and disdain. Jewish people avoided any contact with or dealings with them.

  • Likewise – This expression comes from the Greek word “homoios” meaning equally in the same way: similarly.

Summary
This story is in Luke 10:25-37, Jesus is defining who our “neighbor” is and how we should view and interact with our neighbor.

  • A man travelling on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho was attacked, brutally beaten; his possessions were stolen and he was left in the ditch to die. A priest and a Levite walked down that same road and each in turn passed by the injured man and did not stop to help.

The despised man, the one cast out of the religious community, the Samaritan gives aide, in fact he goes above and beyond to help this stranger. This stranger may have been an Israelite, one of the very people who held this man in contempt. The Samaritan provides immediate help and comforting, and provides for the stranger’s continued recovery.

A Closer Look
What did this Samaritan, whom Jesus’ says is the “good neighbor,” do? All the things the Samaritan does outline characteristics of heart and actions for us as to how to love others.

Intentional Sight – The Samaritan had “intentional” sight, meaning he “saw” the man and “moved towards” him with intent to help. The priest and the Levite saw the man and passed by him.

Indiscriminate Perspective – The Samaritan saw value in this man just as a fellow human being. He did not withhold his attention or help because of the man’s race, ethnicity, social standing, educational level, appearance, beliefs, character or need.

How often do I “pass by” or “pass over “ people because of their race, social standing, mental/emotional status, their appearance, their beliefs, or that they just seem too needy, too heavy to carry?

A Compassionate View – Jesus describes the Samaritans as seeing this man through eyes of compassion. The Greek word for compassion in this passage is “splagchnizomai” meaning he had a deep pity whelming up from deep inside his gut. This sense of tender consideration for another human being was entrenched deep inside the innards of this man.

He had a “gut” response – it came from within him and reveals his heart and character. How I respond to a person reveals my heart, my basic character.

Do I “shy away” from engaging the emotionally needy person? Do I avoid making eye contact or interacting with a person of another race; a homeless person; an elderly person; an overweight person; someone from another religion; someone in the LGBTQ community; or someone not in my “social/intellectual circle?” Do I consider it a waste of time to engage with someone who cannot appreciate me or advance my cause in some way?

Vulnerable Sight – The Samaritan was willing to put himself in a vulnerable position. He exposed himself to the possibility of being beaten and robbed.  He was already in an area where such an attack had very recently happened, but he risked his safety to help this man.
True compassion and love!

Healing Sight – The Samaritan had eyes to see the healing this man needed. He could have put this man on his donkey and brought him to the nearest town clinic. But he didn’t. First, he used his time (out in the open) and his resources to put oil and wine on this man’s wounds, and then to bind them up.

Surely such care would have been deemed sufficient, but the Samaritan had a view to see this man whole and well again. So, he lifts him and secures him on his animal in order to take him to a place where he can fully recover. The Samaritan walks the rest of the journey in order to help this man heal.

When the Samaritan gets to the town, he sets this man up in the care of an innkeeper and pays for whatever the man needs to recover. When I think about this it astounds me that the Samaritan sacrificed so much of himself to help a stranger, who actually may have been his enemy.

Just Stop and Think
I have to stop here because this story Jesus told gives me so much to ponder and examine within myself. The Samaritan is a shining example of loving others. It is almost too much to consider, yet it seems to be the spontaneous heart of the Samaritan to do these things. The Samaritan’s heart reveals his relationship with God and that he values those made in the image of God.

What do my interactions with and on behalf of others reveal about my heart and my relationship to God? Do I view others as valuable? If so, am I  stopping to build into that value, restore that value or just appreciate that value?

This is important stuff! In the context of Luke 10:25-37, Jesus says it has to do with the first commandment and my relationship to God, and inheriting eternal life. Jesus tells me to “go and do likewise – equally and in the same way,” as the Samaritan did!

The Value of Identity

Most people, myself included, want to be valued, respected, accepted and known. I have often sought my value in my characteristics, titles, positions or things I do.

In our society, we are schooled to do this from an early age. We learn what pleases others, what others esteem or value; and we tend to pattern ourselves after that. We work to earn and build our worth as perceived others.

This principle of seeking our value and identity in the valuation of us by others is a force at work in our life. There are times we may be aware of it, and other times that it is a subtle undercurrent in our life. We all want to be effective and contributing to our society, families and so on. But at times, this desire to achieve to help, to grow, to learn, can become confused with who we are and the concept of our worth.

This drive can be at work in our lives, even as believers in God, and active members in the fellowship of believers.

My Journey
I confess, I participated in this “value achieving cycle” both knowingly and unknowingly. Throughout my youth, my worth was communicated to me by my parents and others in my circle of life. Most of these “valuations”  had to do with my: physical appearance; scholastic achievements in terms of grades and various honors, titles and positions; and with whom I was associated.

As a young professional, I pursued becoming  a master teacher in order to define myself and increase my value. ( I have to say, that I loved my work and the students ). However, once I stepped on that wheel it was difficult to get off.

During the first few years of my teaching profession, I learned about having a genuine relationship with God. I intellectually understood the truths about God’s love for me, but I was still running on that wheel of self – producing value. I became a follower of Jesus, however I later realized that I still had that misunderstanding of my identity and value. I merely changed the arena (from work to church) in which I sought my own “self – generated value.”

But God is a loving Father, His reputation and honor does not stand or fall based on my achievements. He has worked patiently with me through the years to reveal to me who I am “becoming in Him” since the day I said “Yes” to the salvation Jesus offered.

Slowly and patiently, at levels I could understand, God began to uncover my faulty value system, and to  reveal to me my true identity and value in Him. Seeking self- value in things I have done or the status I have gained in the eyes of men and women, had blinded me to seeing God’s value and identity for me.

Knowing Who You Are in the Eyes of God Is Everything
If we meditate, humbly and intentionally, on truths from God’s Word about who we are in Him and His value for us, it is transforming.

These truths are throughout the scripture. I want to share some of the references to these truths with you for your further consideration.

The True Reveal
In Christ Jesus we have these identities that reveal God’s value of us. This “valuing by God” is real, even if we do not perceive it. My perception does not change truths of God..

I am a child of the living God, John1 :12-13
I am a partaker in God’s divine nature, 2 Peter 1:3-4
I am a temple for the Spirit of God,1 Corinthians 6:19
I am a member of the Household of God, Hebrews 3:6
I am a masterpiece of God, hand-crafted by Him,  Eph. 2:10
I am a treasure chest of God, 2 Corinthians 4:6-7
I am the aroma of Christ spreading the fragrance of His life and victory, 2 Corinthians 15-16
I am holy and blameless before God in Christ, Eph. 1:4-7; Hebrews 10:14
I am the righteousness of God in Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24
I am a vessel of honor in the house of God, 2 Timothy 2:21
I am a personal Ambassador of Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:20-21
I am a royal priest of God, 1 Peter 2:9
I am a friend of Jesus, John 15:15; Romans 4:3-5
I am a victor in Christ, Romans 8:37

It Is True
These statements declare the truth about who I am and who you are in Christ. Each truth reveals our identity in Christ, but also how esteemed and valued we are by God. The fact that I am hand-crafted by God, or that He makes me a partaker of His very nature, speaks volumes as to the depth of His love and valuing of me/us.

There are other similar truths in the scriptures that are not referenced here, and they also reveal who we are, what we now have in Jesus, and what we are empowered by Jesus to do.

I listen intently to these truths that Jesus speaks over me through His Word. There are days that my past, my relationships, my experiences, my insecurities, social media and my failings speak another message of who I am and what my value is. Reading these truths of God ground me.

Proof that God Values Us
A favorite scripture that always brings me back to a right mindset about my value and identity is stated  in 1 Peter 1:18-19.

  • For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

Look at all the “valuing” in this passage:

God, the Creator and Sustainer of all life – the eternal all majestic God, redeemed me/us from an empty living, that is a life of not knowing our true identity, value and purpose. He deliberately planned to redeem us from the cycle of creating our own identity, and/or from being shaped into the mold of the world’s identities.

God redeemed That is, God bought us out of the emptiness and darkness of the kingdom of this world and brought us into His light and refuge.  Do we really know what and who we have been ransomed from?  We have been bought out of enslavement to sin, darkened understanding of who we are, out of an unrealized relationship with the prince of darkness, and out of alienation in relationship with God. Colossians 1:13-14 details this:

  • “He (God) has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

God redeemed us. The ransom price, the buyback price, is the life blood of Jesus, the Son of God. In a sense, God rescued His kidnapped children, not with millions of dollars, or gold or jewels, but with the blood of Jesus, the Son of God. This is our value. Our identity is wrapped up in this ransom price and great love that God behind it. This is a truth that requires prayerful thought.

Closing Reflections:

  • What/who is the source of my identity and value? Is it me; my achievements; my status among people; my relationships,; my connections; my reputation; or, is God and my relationship with Him the basis of my identity and worth?
  • Re-think who you are. Each day, read one of the identity scriptures presented in this article and ask God to reveal to you what each truth means for your life.

Story Busters #1

We all have a story, actually we have many stories about our life and who we are. These are narratives that we have learned to tell ourselves, and they exert a powerful control over us.

Truly the origin and influence of such narratives belongs in the realm of psychology, but not entirely. They also are in our spiritual realm, and impact our faith and growth as daughters and sons of God.

Throughout our life, people and our experiences have molded these stories.  The problem with most of these stories is that they are not true or I should say, they are not fully true.

We need to take time to think about these narratives about who we are – that we have fashioned or that have been fashioned  for us. If we are not alert to life in the Spirit, or to the spiritual world, these false stories will rule our lives.

 It’s All in Your Mind
Our mind, that is  – how we think, has a most significant role in our walk with God. The mind is the major arena from which our life plays out. We know this because God addresses our minds in many ways. In a sense, God is saying, “Make sure you are believing the right story/narrative about you and Me.”

Romans 12:2 declares the importance of the mind:

  • “Do not conform to the pattern of this world (to the story or narrative of this world), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

We see this same thread of thought again in Ephesians 4:21-24 which reveals the true narrative about God and me/you.

  • “Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him—in keeping with the truth that is in Jesus ( in keeping with the true narrative about you and God) — to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

In the parable of the “prodigal son”, we see a young man who was believing some false narratives about who he was, and about his relationship with his father. In this parable the Holy Spirit emphasizes the importance of our mind in our relationship with God.

Luke 15 narrates the story of this “lost” son. The Spirit  in verse 17 says: ““But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!

The expression “when he came to himself” literally means when he came to a better mind; when he had a right way of thinking, a right way of framing who he is and his relationship with his father.

The Word of God and Our Stories
Truths from the Word of God have the power to demolish our false narratives. The truths of God are story busters, so to speak. The divine truth has a power to destroy the siegeworks of our false narratives.

This truth is stated in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.

  • “The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

The word “arguments” in verse 5 refers to: flawed conclusions based on false assumptions; narratives that are against the truths of God – that are in contrast to the true narrative that God reveals about Himself and us in Christ Jesus in His Word.

The weapons of God have the power of God to breakdown, to destroy the siege works of our false narratives.

Truth-Busts through the Siegeworks
I want to review some basic truths that will demolish the false stories we tend to live by. Though we may know these truths, we have to understand that there is a difference between knowing and believing. If I do not apply personal faith to these truths for my life and my relationship with God, I will have spent my life being religious, but will have missed truly knowing God.

Story Buster #1 – I am a new creation, the old has no part in who I am. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

  • Therefore if anyone is in Christ, she/he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.

I have been made new by God through my faith in Jesus and His atoning blood. The old narratives/stories no longer define me and have power over me. The truth of what Jesus has done for me and in me – breaks the pattern of the old and reveals the truth of who I am.

Not only that, but I did not achieve this with anything I have done, God did it by accepting the sacrifice of His Son on my behalf and reconciling me, making me right with Him and bringing me into His presence.

Also, not only am I restored to God’s image, but I am brought into God’s mission and ministry of busting false narratives and restoring His true image in others.

Story Buster #2- There is no condemnation for me, because I have been set free from the power of sin and death. (Rom 8:1-2)

  • Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death.…

This is a life – giving truth for all of us, but especially for those who are taunted by their past narratives of never being worthy, and feeling weighed down by their sin. The truth is Jesus makes us worthy. My worthiness is based in His forgiveness and the righteousness that He gives to me. (Eph. 1:7-8; 2 Cor. 5:21)

Do the Work- Make the Choice
These are only two of the powerful truths of God, there are more that we will explore in the future. Take time to do the work:

  • thinking about the narratives that rule you;
  • finding of these truths that will set you free:
  • choosing to trust these truths daily.

I choose to live by these freeing truths. Not only do these truths free me from the truth that I was an enemy of God, but they free me from all the false narratives and constructs I and others have woven around me, such as: who I am, who God is, who I am in relationship to God and who I am in relation to others.

These truths have the power to demolish the siegeworks that hold me captive. But I need to choose to look at my true state , as well as the resultant false narratives, and then choose to believe the true story of God and me – everyday!

 

You, Yes You, Are Pregnant – with the Son of God

What a statement! Sounds a little crazy, maybe even freaky, but it is true! When we hear a proclamation such as this, our minds might think immediately of Mary, but not ourselves.

Mary was the young woman in in Nazareth who became the mother of Jesus. When the messenger of God brought the declaration to her that she would become pregnant and bring forth the Son of God into the world – she was concerned. The scripture says she was troubled and fearful. Here is a summary of the account in Luke 1:27-32; 35-35.

  • God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David . . .  “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”  The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

In Luke 1:29 the word “troubled” means: acutely distressed in her inner self with emotional stress and thoughts going back and forth in her mind.

Surely, Mary is trying to figure out how or why she was favored. Imagine all the thoughts and emotions that were swirling around as to being unmarried and pregnant, not to mention the shock of seeing an angel.

Confusion, concern and fear of what this means, and anxiety as to how this will be worked in her and in her life.

The angel told Mary this is from the grace of God, God’s grace to her and to all mankind. The word for “grace” is used here, meaning that what is about to occur has nothing to do with Mary’s value or worthiness but it comes from God’s grace . It is a gift, a blessing, undeserved, the unearned favor of God. It is the same word that is used of God saving us through His grace.

  • … But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Eph. 2:4-5

In a sense, we like Mary, are pregnant with the Son of God. You may be questioning, “What? How can this be, since I am a sinner.?”

We are pregnant with Christ through the Spirit of Christ in us. Scriptures verify this truth, that through our faith, repentance and baptism into Christ we have His Spirit living inside of us.

  • Because you are sons and daughters, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:6
  • “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16
  • And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

Transformed to Be Like the Son of God
Paul used the birth analogy as he explained how teaching the followers of Christ was like being a mother waiting for the image of Christ to be formed in them and birthed into the world.

  • My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, Galatians 4:19

God’s plan was not only to bring us into a relationship with Him but to transform us by restoring His image in us. God does this by the sanctifying work of His Spirit in us.

  • But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as first fruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 2 Thess.2:13
  • And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Cor. 3:18
  • For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29

What does this mean for us?
We have been saved through our faith in the sacrifice of Jesus. The Spirit of Christ is now in us.
We are pregnant with Christ through His Spirit in us. We are to give birth to Jesus, so to speak, by letting His nature, character and purpose come through us to others.

This purpose of Christ in us is made clear through scripture.

Jesus, Himself, identifies His followers as light and salt to the world. Our purpose is to shine forth Jesus in such a way that people are drawn to God so they too can have a relationship with God.

  • You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5 :14

The apostle Paul repeats this imagery with more specific details relating having a treasure inside us and this treasure being the light to give out the knowledge of God.

  • For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

In 2 Corinthians 3:3, Paul characterizes this mission of giving birth to Jesus unto the world in a unique way by identifying the followers of Jesus as letters form Christ to be read by all.

  • You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Paul further clarifies the idea of giving birth to Christ in us when he states that we are representatives of Christ in this world. We as ambassadors of Christ to show forth His image to the world, with the hope of reconciling people back to God.

  • We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Cor.5:20

 Reflection
This is an amazing truth. I am still marveling at this truth. I am asking myself several questions.

  • Is this true in my life? Do I truly have the Spirit of Jesus living in me? (Romans 8:9)
  • Am I submitting my will to the Spirit daily and allowing myself to be led by Him and transformed by Him? (Romans 8:12-14)
  • What about this thought brings out resistance in me? Why?
  • How am I showing the image of Jesus to the world; to my sisters and brother in Christ; to my family?

Also, I have to ask myself:

  • Do I like Mary grasp the glory and privilege of this truth?
  • Can I say with her, “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant.” Luke 1:46-48a

My final thought for meditation is that I/we have been chosen to bear Christ to the world!

Leaning Into God – Magnifying God-5

Ankyloglossia is the Greek term for “stiff-tongue.” It is a medical condition that a person is born with and can affect their ability to take nourishment, as well as impact speech as a child develops.

At times when I try to express my thanksgiving and praise to God, I feel like I have a “stiff tongue.” So, as you know from previous blog posts, this January I began a journey to learn from the Word of God how to express my thanksgiving and praise to Him. I have invited you on this journey.

 Deeper Gleanings
The learning curve is high. I am discovering direction from God in His word for what to praise him and even what to say as we saw in Psalm 66:3. Here the Spirit literally tells us what to say.

  • “Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! How great is your power that your enemies cringe before You.”

As the Spirit reveals in the Word the what and the how about expressing thanks to God, I am also learning about the Who.  I am seeing God, His character; who He is; how He thinks about me (us), and how He interacts with us.

Thank You for Your Faithfulness
In my search for how to more adequately express my thanks and praise to God I learn from David in Psalm 138:2 that he advocates thanking and praising God for His faithfulness.

  • “I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness.”

As we follow the psalmist’s lead and praise God for his faithfulness it opens a door for us the see God and to know Him as faithful to us.

Deuteronomy 7:9 makes a clear statement about the nature and character of God as being faithful.

  • “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”

In Acts 2:38-39, we see the fulfillment pf this promise unto us and generations after us.

  • Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off (generations to come), everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

Lean On Him
In Deuteronomy 7:9 God is identified as the faithful God. The word for faithful in that text is “aman” meaning confirming, supporting, reliable. The faithful one is the one who sustains, carries, nurtures, supports and builds up. The faithful one is trustworthy and can be leaned on. The faithful one is consistent in being true and right.

God, as the Faithful One is consistent in daily applying His love, mercy grace and care for us. In Lamentations 3:22-23, Jeremiah describes this faithfulness as emanating from God’s devotion to us.

  • “Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!”

This truth about the faithful nature of God sounds a resounding chord of hope within me. It assures me that God is faithful to be forgiving and merciful to me every day.

I can lean on this truth when that accusatory voice sounds within me, reciting all the ways I failed, all the ways I missed the mark. That voice that reverberates with echoes of “you are not worthy; you are not good enough; yet again you messed up.”  It is that voice shaded in darkness that we all hear.

But, knowing that God is faithful, that He is consistent in His love and grace to us and that I can lean on Him for support in my weakness leads me to life, hope and faith. That hope explodes in praise to God for His faithfulness to me.

Facets of Faithfulness
There are many ways that God is faithful to us. As a meditation exercise, read the verses below. Let them speak to you and help connect with God’s faithfulness in your life.

God’s faithfulness is a protection.

  • “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Ps. 91:4

God’s faithfulness is eternal.

  • “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name. For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Ps. 100:4-5

God’s work is done in faithfulness.

  • “For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. 33:4”

We see God is faithful in His work of salvation to us . This truth of God’s devoted faithfulness is attested to in 1 Corinthians 1:8-9.

  • “He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”

The Faithful One is with us in the hard times.

When I am going through hard times it is difficult for me to see God’s faithfulness. Sometimes, in the fog of hurt and pain, I have to hold onto the truth of the scripture by making a choice to believe He is there. There are many promises of God’s faithfulness to us. Here are a few, add some of your favorite ones.

  • “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
  • “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” Ps. 46:1
  • “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear for You are with me.” Ps. 23:4

Look for Faithfulness
Sometimes the stress and difficulties of life obscure God’s faithfulness to me. It is easy for me to recall the most wondrous act of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to send His Son to save us and to draw us into His presence.

I can trace this persistent faithfulness of God through the Old Testament and New Testament and into my life today.  But seeing His faithfulness as I walk through the events and relationships of my daily life takes an intentional focus.

The other day I was struggling with being hurt by a relationship that I have. Even after various steps of reconciliation, difficulties remained. I began to focus on the hurt, my thoughts produced fear and lack of peace and trust in God.

I began to look for God’s faithfulness to me in this.  I prayed for God to comfort me, to renew my thinking and faith about how He was feeling about me. Later that day I was listening to a spiritual song and it was like God himself encouraging me, reminding me of His grace and love for me.

Also, later that day I received an email from the person who is mediating this difficulty. In this email she communicated her love and acceptance for me. These were glimpses of God’s faithfulness to me.

Be intentional about seeing God’s faithfulness in your life.

  • Pray and ask God to show you, to open your eyes to see His faithfulness and open your ears to hear it.
  • Find a scripture that speaks God’s faithfulness to you. Read it as you ask God to help you see how it connects to you.
  • Make a mental picture of you in this faithfulness scripture. Mine is Ps. 23:4. In that picture I see myself a lamb walking through a shadowy valley, but I am at the side of the Good Shepherd, leaning into His leg. He has His staff in His right hand and every now and then He puts His hand on my head or back to reassure me that He is there.
  • Take time to think about all the ways God has shown His faithfulness to you.
  • Write them down, and then thank God for each one.