New Life
“For
the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of
sin and death” (Romans 8:2)
What is it about jobs that
so OFFENDS those who have them? Why is it that so many struggle in marriage?
Or you’re finally alone, but still unhappy! You get the car or home you wanted,
but it becomes tiresome and difficult to maintain.
“I
want to do things MY way,” was not only the song of Frank Sinatra, a
singer of a few decades ago, but it is the call of mankind to be FREE! People
often resent HAVING to do something or following some person. God’s response to
us is that He has offered Someone who is actually worth following! He is indeed
worthy.
This is Someone who doesn’t
take away your creativity, but actually ADDS to who and what you are. Someone
who sets you free, and yet offers real Leadership at the same time. Our Lord
makes us MORE, because of His love. Why do you resist Him who loves you?
For much of the Western
World, this is the start of a New Year; but instead of resolutions that nobody
keeps, it’s time to understand what God longs for you to have. He has New LIFE
for you, through faith in Jesus Christ, sent to die, that you might live. He
offers freedom, peace and joy, to those who simply breathe “yes” to the Son of
God.
There are plenty of
instances in history, where we can see that one person died in the place of
another. A classic, for me, was the discovery that northern industrialists,
bankers and other somewhat wealthy individuals could buy substitutes for their
sons, during the U.S. Civil War. You could advertise in the newspaper, and
legally hire someone to go and fight in the place of your loved one. Your “boy”
would live and not suffer the horrors of war. The one sent would suffer and was
likely to die in the place of your son.
Actually, one way to
interpret most of the wars of history is this: Some of the group would battle
to the death in order to defend others. Younger men were sent into the face of
an invading army to protect those who couldn’t go. They left women, children
and the elderly behind, arming themselves as much as possible, and flung
themselves at the enemy who was crossing the borders near their homes.
Sometimes the defenders were successful; sometimes not. If not, then the
country and its citizens would be overrun.
Jesus Christ fought the key
battle of history for you and me, and He was SUCCESSFUL in His defense to the
death. The enemy (there is an enemy) had taken us captive (we gave up without a
fight). Jesus was sent as our Champion, though we did not seek Him, ask for His
help, or even want Him. We were unhappy at what had befallen us, but we had no
faith in God and did not believe He would intervene on our behalf.
He did intervene.
Our problem in receiving Him is that His intervention
does not fit our preconceptions. His style is not the method we would have
chosen. We would have asked for a Warrior King to ride into our lives, rescuing
us by power and might! But, He died a lowly death for our sins, because He
recognized our real need – we must be changed inside. We wanted to be rescued
from OUTWARD trouble. He had something better in mind. He saved us right in
the middle of this world’s troubles and let us remain, so that, changed, we
might reflect Him to others. They need Him, too, and we are to reveal His love.
On December 15th, Dennis Stinson was
baptized, during the annual Christmas Event of Friday Study Ministries. His
baptismal service may be found at
www.fridaystudy.org – turn to the “Weekly Bulletin” and then click into
“Baptism”.
Dennis had been a person who intensely followed what HE
wanted to do, as much as anyone you are likely to meet. Baptism reflects a
different attitude, telling the world that I am not going to live for me anymore
– I receive His Gift and will live for Jesus Christ! I’m going to do life HIS
way. Dennis repented of his sins and is forgiven. He is set free and is
enabled to follow the Holy Spirit of God. That’s Dennis’ message to the world,
which was transmitted to us through his baptism.
Have you noticed that people set rules and laws for one
another? Children become offended by those who don’t follow the “rules” and so
do adults. Society is constantly “telling” us how we are to dress, what words
to say, where we should go, and what we should think. And for some reason, we
FOLLOW those around us, even when they lead us into places and patterns of
thought where we really should not go. Here’s a minor example:
Layne Longfellow told us “How
to Behave in an Elevator” – “1) Face forward.
2) Fold hands in front. 3) Do not make eye contact. 4) Watch the numbers. 5)
Don’t talk to anyone you don’t know. 6) Stop talking with anyone you do know
when anyone you don’t know enters the elevator. 7. Avoid brushing bodies.”
We subtly learn such laws when still very young and follow them all our lives,
even though it is tiresome to always do so.
And here is our Lord, who “has
made me FREE from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). To this news
we reasonably should REJOICE for the rest of our lives and for all eternity, and
yet, the response of most is, “ho hum, let’s go to a movie,” or whatever you
tend to do in your cultural setting.
“Freedom” is to receive your Creator, to know His love,
receive His Spirit, and utterly be in love with Him – forever. As you read His
written Word, you learn, through the Lord’s enabling, that the Son of God was
sent to die in your place. You’ll have New Life in Him and receive His Spirit,
Who leads you into wholesomeness and love.
Dear Lord, I receive You now. I repent, Lord, and
receive the New Life promised to me. Forgive me. Fill me with Your Holy
Spirit. Open Your Word to my understanding, and give me the peace, joy and love
of God. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Ron Beckham, Pastor
Friday Study Ministries
www.fridaystudy.org
E-mail:
Ron@FridayStudy.org
Tel: (562) 688-5559
PO Box 92131
Long Beach, CA 90809-2131
"While
we were yet sinners, Christ died for us"
(Romans 5:8) |
