03/19/2022
If we had two choices and each one would lead us to the same place, that being our resurrection from the dead, followed by joy, peace, love, and eternal life in the presence of God, which of these would we choose? Would we choose to live a life of happiness, and plenty, then to be lifted in song to Heaven, or would we choose to suffer through our days in pain interspersed with periods of happiness, and then gasp our last breath before ascending to Heaven? I dare say that we would all select the first option and want the life of happiness. However these are not our choices and we experience many trials as we are transformed into the image of Christ, learning what it means to be righteous, then holy, and finally perfected in His blood. Our choice is between eternal life or death… or in other words, between the hope of eternity in heavenly love and joy with God, or the present tangible earthly pleasures of the carnal. Knowing this, and the suffering that lies ahead if we choose to walk with Jesus… what will we choose, or what have we already chosen?
“that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”
Philippians 3:10-11 ESV
In this scripture Paul writes of his personal choice, but what will our choice be? Paul says that no matter what the cost, the suffering, or the duration of the tribulation, he is willing to endure it all if it allows him to be resurrected from the dead as Jesus was. Are we committed as Paul was committed, to face whatever lies ahead if it means that we will be forever in the presence of God, and experience His love forevermore? Do we consider what is being asked of us when we choose to follow Jesus?
“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Matthew 16:24-25 ESV
Following Jesus isn’t a decision to be made lightly, it isn’t simply a “get out of jail free” card to be played in the monopoly game of faith. Following Jesus means to leave behind the person we once were, and to become like Him… worthy of being called His heir and joint heir, a child of God, one who would give up his earthly life for others, and to do all of these things and more without complaint, or remorse. We are not meant to say on Sunday that we believe, and that Jesus is our Lord, only to complain about the trials we face on Monday. Like Paul we need to know what we are agreeing to, and understand that this is a life filled with hardship as well as joy and love.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
When I was a young man in the 1970s, I drove a small sports car. I was so excited when I first bought it, and sung its praises, but after a while it started having problems. Whenever something would break I would complain loudly and profusely as I worked to repair it. Sometimes I would be so mad that I would throw the broken part across the yard, calling it terrible things. In reality I should have known that sports cars require a lot of maintenance, and been prepared for this. I should have understood when I bought it that I would spend many days working on it. Our faith is much like this… we need to understand who Jesus is before we commit ourselves to Him. We need to realize what it means to pick up our cross and follow Him, to be men and women of faith, and that it won’t always be a life free of pain or trouble. We need to enter into our spiritual relationship with our eyes open. Jesus quizzed His disciples on this very subject…
“Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.””
Luke 9:18, 20, 22 ESV
We will not know Him fully on the day we first believe because He is too great for that, but we should know the basics of who He is, and what following Him entails. We should know enough that we are making an informed decision. Jesus isn’t a fast talking con artist who tricks us into signing a sight unseen spiritual contract, or a blank check. He wants us to follow Him, but not until we can satisfactorily answer the question He asked his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?”
He is great and glorious:
“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.”
Hebrews 1:3-4 ESV
But He was made to suffer:
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.”
Isaiah 53:3-4 ESV
Now In Jesus we too will suffer:
“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,”
Philippians 1:29 ESV
And having suffered like Jesus we will be lifted up:
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
1 Peter 5:10 ESV
In this way I ask that you come to know Jesus today, and be satisfied that He is your redeemer, and that God is your Father, then profess your faith with confidence. If however you have made a previous profession of faith without first knowing Him then I ask that you seek the truth regarding who He is, and reaffirm your faith based on this new understanding; recommit your life to Him.
For those of us who already know and believe, let’s join together in prayer for the seekers, and help them by answering their questions and leading them to an understanding of God, and Jesus.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for loving us so much that you sent your Son Jesus to suffer, die, be resurrected, and to ascend into Heaven that we might be saved. Thank you for allowing us to know you, and Jesus Christ so that we can kneel before you and proclaim our faith and belief in you. Help us Father as we suffer in this world, and are taught the mysteries of faith in the midst of every storm. Show us your mercy, grace, and love as our faith grows deeper, and stronger every day. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who calls us to Himself, and reveals Himself that we might know you and believe. Praised be your name for the miraculous rebirth we have in Jesus, and the certainty we have in His coming. You are merciful Father, and your grace is sufficient as it leads us to worship you in spirit and truth. Wash us clean of our sins in the blood of Jesus, and feed our spirits as we remember Him as we partake of Him bodily. Heal us, comfort us, provide for us, and as our spiritual journey on earth reaches its culmination, welcome us into your presence forevermore. We called you Father, and Jesus Lord when we first came to know you, and now, having come to know you more completely through joy, and trial, we sing out… “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!””
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”
1 Peter 4:12-19 ESV
Rich Forbes