12/23/2020
Are we lost, and attempting to overcome the worldly nature that has taken hold of us? Do we think that by doing certain works, or behaving in a moral manner, that we can draw ourselves out from the vile nature of the world, which is sin? Well, there is only one way we can overcome the world, and that is by believing, and having faith, in Jesus Christ... the Son of God.
“Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”
1 John 5:5 ESV
Spiritual transformation is much like a river that flows through the world, and at its headwaters, it begins to carry with it our unrighteous selves; the debris of lives ruined, depleted, or found worthless, by the world. God has formed its banks, Jesus is the living water that flows within them, and into this river we faithfully throw ourselves. We begin the journey of faith, not truly knowing what lies ahead, but are carried on as the jetsam, and flotsam, of the sinful world towards our destination... purification, redemption, and salvation. So, without accepting God’s grace through Jesus, and claiming our mustard seed of faith in Him, we remain grounded and ruined on the banks of the world, and are unable to make the journey; in this way we stand with His promise fresh in our ears... but as yet undecided, unfulfilled, and lost.
“knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”
1 Peter 1:18-19 ESV
Without Jesus we can do many works, and live impeccably moral lives, yet still remain creatures of the world as we struggle against the sin that resides in it. Or, we can believe that He is the Son of God, take the mustard seed of faith He has extended to us, and throw ourselves into His transforming flow; the living water.
Jesus tells us that He has conquered, and overcome the world... do you trust in Him? He says that your small seed of faith is strong enough to move mountains; do you believe Him? Well let me ask you one more question... Do you have just enough faith, or are you desperate enough that what faith you have, will allow you to throw yourself into His living water, and begin your journey of transformation? If so, are you ready to meet Him, and receive His peace today?
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."”
John 16:33 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, and the faith you call us to that allows us to enter into His living water, and begin our transforming journey towards eternity with you. Thank you Holy Father for the love you have for us that is so strong and complete that it prompted you to give the precious life of your Son that we might be redeemed in Him; not by His having lived alone, but by His life, death, and resurrection which together have conquered sin and death, and defeated the world. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who has placed in our hand a mustard seed of faith, and said “Come!” Praised be your name for the journey of faith that we travel with Jesus, and your Holy Spirit. Great is your Word, and true your promise of eternal life, joy, peace, and all that life with you has to offer. All glory is yours Father. Your mercy and grace, are perfected in Jesus, and poured over us; they are without equal.
Hear my prayer today, and help me in my journey of faith! Have mercy on me, a sinner, and lead me to perfection through your Son Jesus Christ... guide me by your Holy Spirit Into a complete understanding, and unwavering obedience to your will for me.
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.”
Revelation 22:1-3 ESV
Rich Forbes