06/01/2021
As we age, and our bodies begin to show signs of mortality, it is easy for the suffering believer to lose sight of the fact that this inevitable physical aging is not a total fading away, but one of the body only. Our daily pains, and other age related encumbrances can cause us to focus our attention on what ails us physically each day, and to lose sight of the spiritual growth, and renewal that we are experiencing at the very same moment. Today let’s redirect our attention away from what the world is reclaiming, and take heart in what Jesus, and the Spirit are renewing, and increasing further, as they prepare us for eternity with God.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”
2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV
I saw a picture that one of my old friends had posted on social media. It was of a memorable moment from their distant past. It was from a time when we were in college together, and there were several very young people laughing, and having a good time together in it. Even though these were my friends too, I was struggling quite a bit to identify them. Then, as I studied one of the faces, and tried to remember who this was, it dawned on me that it wasn’t one of my friends after all… it was me. I was fifty years younger, and had almost forgotten what I looked like without gray hair, sagging cheeks, wrinkles, and some additional pounds... Time had aged me that much. So this caused me to ponder the changes that I had undergone, and as I did so I realized that if I were to step into the moment of that picture, my old self would not recognize me either; not so much because of my appearance, but in the new, and spiritual man I have become. Frighteningly, he probably wouldn’t have liked his new self very much because I am so far removed from him in maturity, wisdom, and most of all… spirituality. Have you ever looked at an old picture of yourself in this way? Have you ever glimpsed the inevitability of bodily death in the morning mirror, and leaned back into God, and thanked Jesus for the vibrant spiritual life that is growing there?
“For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”
2 Corinthians 4:11 ESV
Yes, our bodies age, and remind us of the fact that this life is bound by time, but in realizing this we are also instilled with a sense of extreme urgency regarding our spirituality, and in establishing an everlasting relationship with the divine. Perhaps you haven’t reached that point where an old man or woman looks back at you from your mirror each day, and life still seems to be long, but I challenge you to take out an old picture of yourself, and try to remember who you were then, and how that time seems like just yesterday. Life passes by so quickly, and putting off your commitment to a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ, and God, until later will be a huge mistake… each moment is a step closer to physical death, and a wasted minute in preparation for eternity. Redemption can only wait so long, and the clock is ticking.
“So death is at work in us, but life in you.”
2 Corinthians 4:12 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for reminding us through the aging of our bodies, that our time on earth is limited, and the opportunity to enter into a relationship with you is bound by the life we have here. Thank you for calling us to you through your Son Jesus, and I pray that you strengthen our belief quickly so that our increase in faith has yet another day before we are called to stand before you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who saves the young and old alike, but mercifully calls the young so that they might have many years serving you in this life. Praised be your name for the time we have with you in which we travel this world as believers, and introduce souls to you through Jesus. Great are you for your Holy Spirit that helps us to increase in faith, and know your will for us. Whether we are young or old, help us to believe today Father, and not waste another minute worrying about our mortality, or what we will leave behind in this world. Hear our prayers of contrition, and pleas for forgiveness as we claim the promise of redemption, and a relationship with you through Jesus. Wash us in the blood of your Son, the Lamb of God, and make us righteous in your sight by His sacrifice. Erase the marks of earthly age that our bodies carry, and replace them with the glowing resurrection body of our spiritual self. Seat us at your table, and hold us timeless in both appearance, and faith, as we worship you eternally… our God, and our Father, forevermore.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”
2 Corinthians 4:7-10 ESV
Rich Forbes