“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2.9
As we near the end of our ABC’s of Lent, we land on the letter “Y” which I’ve determined stands for “you”! The Bible says as much about us as it does about God. The whole of the Scriptures can be summarized as a longing for God to be in a right relationship with us. And although we often fail, He does not cease in his attempts to know us, love us and save us.
I’ve included 1 Peter 2.9 and below found a portion from, “What God Thinks About You,” by John Rinehard’s which can help us understand who we are in Christ:
“You are no longer darkness, but light in my Son. Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8). You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill (Matthew 5:14). I have called you (2 Peter 1:3). I have chosen you (Revelation 17:14). You are now a saint, a servant, a steward, and a soldier (Romans 1:7; Acts 26:16; 1 Peter 4:10; 2 Timothy 2:3). You are a witness and a worker (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 2:10). Through Jesus you are victorious (1 Corinthians 15:57). You have a glorious future (Romans 8:18). You are a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20). You are an ambassador for my Son (2 Corinthians 5:20).” [https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/who-does-god-say-i-am.html]
40 days ago on Ash Wednesday many of us began a journey toward the cross and toward Jesus. And as we did this, as we looked outward and upward, we also looked inward. We began a self-examination, self-definition and self-denial of our wants, pleasures and dreams. We vowed to become nothing, as John the Baptizer says, so that Christ might become all things (John 3.30).
This journey has not been easy. Even in the midst of the global pandemic, and all the new challenges it brings, our reliance upon God, and not ourselves, must increase. And in so doing, we must continue raking up the weeds in the flower beds of our souls. Ridding the earth of invaders, and allowing space and the sun to grow new habits in our hearts. Sometimes this is easy, but mostly it’s a challenge for the ages.
I don’t know about you, but sin is difficult to eradicate. But through Jesus, through the cross, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we might be set free from the chains and find help and love in our time of need.
There a new song by Hillsong called Wholeheart. I’ve included it below. One of the best verses from this song says, “Healed and forgiven
Look where my chains are now
Death has no hold on me
‘Cause Your grace holds that ground
And Your grace holds me now.”
The truth of the Gospel is that God’s grace is given for you. Christ died for you. Christ died so you could have life today and life to come. Why not allow the Lord to continue his work in you, so that you will become all he has called and created you to be? By his grace and for his glory.
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for loving us so much that you endured such shame, such brokenness and such pain upon the cross. You are the Lamb of God for the sins of the world. I love you Lord and praise your name. Thank you for handling my sin and making me righteous by your blood. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen