03/28/2021
Are we perfect in a sin free world, or do we suffer as we rebuff the sin swirling about us? It would be easy to do good if surrounded by nothing but goodness, and in such an environment what would be the value of the glory we assign to God in the midst of our faith? However, when sin is buffeting us from every side, we are suffering mightily, and making great efforts to resist temptation as we struggle to remain free of sin? If so, then the glory we give God is great indeed.
“He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”1 Peter 2:22-23 ESV
By remaining pure and clean while submersed in a cesspool of sin, the value of our actions becomes magnified. In this way, the glory we bring God is great indeed. Our Lord Jesus went to the cross surrounded by unfathomable sin, and yet He was sin free. The sin He ultimately took upon himself was ours, and the glory He brought to God by His obedience in so doing was incalculable.
“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
During wartime, soldiers are awarded medals for their bravery and heroism, but to be honored in this way they must demonstrate their courage in battle by facing imminent death, and by risking themselves to save the lives of others. Interestingly enough there are degrees of heroism, and several different medals to represent these increases. With each progressive action there is a more glorious award... such as the bronze star, silver star, and ultimately the Medal of Honor. The glory we bring God is much like this, and the greater the temptation we successfully suffer, and overcome, or the more willing we are to lay down of our lives for another, the more glory we bring to God.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.”1 Corinthians 10:31-33 ESV
By going to His death on the cross Jesus set the bar for us; not in bravery or military heroism, but in love and obedience to the will of God. The glory He brought to His Father is unrivaled, and will remain so throughout all eternity. It is the Medal of Honor to those of faith.
“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
So, as we are surrounded by a world of sin do we complain about its imperfection, or simply pick up our cross and follow Jesus to Calvary? In the midst of our pain and suffering do we pray for the souls of the lost we encounter each day, and give all the glory for their redemption to God? As we stand firm against personal temptation do we praise His Holy Name, and attribute our righteousness to Him? This is how Jesus lived His life, and what He teaches us about how we should live ours... unselfish, humble, and by loving our God, neighbors, ourselves, and our enemies.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for teaching us what it means to love, and for showing us how to obey your will as Jesus did. We pray for your strength against the sin that tempts us each day, and long to give you the glory in this; just as we do in everything our lives entail. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who sent your Perfect Son into this world, which runs rampant with sin and evil, so that we might see in Him how we are meant to live righteous lives, and receive your grace and forgiveness. Great are you whose angels gather around us, and help us to defeat our human longings for the pleasures in the world. Merciful are you whose Holy Spirit opens the truths and mysteries of your Word to us. Glorious are you as you pour out your grace upon us through Jesus Christ, and allow us to give you all the glory for our victories won in faith. Hear our prayers Father, and smell the sweet incense they carry with them as we worship you in accompaniment. Wash us Father in the blood of Jesus, and make us worthy of the ultimate reward for our faithfulness... an eternity in your presence, and a seat of spiritual honor at your table.
“Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!”Psalm 34:3 ESV
Rich Forbes