02/25/2020
We pray, and then conclude that prayer by saying “In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen” and we are comfortable in this because we are told specifically to ask in His name, but do we live out our lives in His name? When we do all of the small things that seem to have little to do with our faith, do we do every one of them through Jesus for the glory of God? Each tiny detail of our lives should be performed in such manner and should represent the “unceasing” nature of our faith, in this way, even our almost imperceptible sin should not pass without our notice, and contrition.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17 ESV
God watches over His children, and keeps them from harm; not just in the large things we do, but in every detail. He guards our every step if we allow Him to rule our lives in such a manner. When we are walking somewhere do we give much thought to our stride, or the placement of every step? No we don’t, because walking has become so automatic to us that unless we are climbing a mountain, or traversing a slippery sheet of icy ground, we trust in our own ability that has been learned through years of practice, but even in those steps that go without notice God is there.
“He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber.”
Psalms 121:3 NLT
God isn’t limited to the big challenges of life, or our more threatening temptations and sins. He is in, and watching over us during, the most excruciatingly minute details. When we finally come to realize this we understand at last how amazing our God is, and how completely the Name of Jesus covers us. We also realize that He is there when we succumb to those temptations we have convinced ourselves didn’t matter, the white lies, the little transgressions, the most innocuous details of our hidden, or unthought of happenings in our lives. The largest of sin finds its birth in the smallest of our desires.
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
James 1:14-15 ESV
So God is there in the details of our life, and tolerates no immature sin, not even the hint of it, because He is perfect, and His Son Jesus was perfect until He was made sin to redeem us, and save us from our sinful selves. Jesus didn’t sin... He was MADE sin. He didn’t die for His sin... He died for OURS... He died carrying the tiny almost imperceptible, and the horrific and overwhelming, sins alike.
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”
1 Peter 2:24 ESV
So for this reason, for God’s intolerance of the least of sins, and our desire to love Him completely, with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength... everything we do should be done in the name of Jesus. God sees us in the details, He provides for us in the details, He teaches us regarding the details of righteousness, and His Son died for us to redeem us from the tiniest details of sin... so how should we live our lives? Are we ready to acknowledge, and worship Jesus in everything we do? Are we ready to take every step, the large and small, for the Glory of God?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for seeing every step in my life, even those that go without my notice. Thank you for your Son who was made to be sin so that I might be made righteous through His sacrifice. Help me to approach my life, all of it, by His name, and for your Glory. Thank you Merciful Father for your Holy Spirit that brings me understanding, and teaches me that all sin is intolerable to you... even sin that comes into my life like a whisper, because it devours me like a lion. Help me in my unbelief, and guard me in my next steps, those that might slip without your attention. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who sees my heart, my deepest thoughts, and every detail of my life. Great are you who watches over me, and never slumbers. Praised be your name for sending your Son Jesus to redeem me from my every sin, from the greatest to the least. Merciful are you my Lord, and perfect are you in all of my life, and in the grace that flows through Jesus to cover my sin and imperfection. I worship you, now, and forevermore, and give you all the glory for my salvation, righteousness, and for being made pleasing in your sight.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23 ESV
Rich Forbes