Victory!

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The sound of victory is a sweet sound, isn’t it?  Everyone wants to be on the winning side.  Does anybody set out to be soundly defeated…on purpose?

Victory indeed stirs up a wide range of emotions.  And memories.  Everyone can identify where they were on the winning side at some point in their lives.  Can you remember a time of your own?  Maybe it was on the playground as a child playing a game of dodge ball, kick ball, or hide-and-go-seek?  Maybe it was playing Candyland, Sorry, or a simple game of Checkers?  Many of us identify with a team in some sport like football, basketball, baseball, hockey, etc.  Maybe it’s been years since your team has won a championship (Chicago Cubs anyone?)  But at some point, we all have savored the taste of victory.  Even if it was for a fleeting moment.

What if I were to say to you that as a Christian you are a conqueror?  (This is assuming, of course, you are a believer in Jesus Christ and have put your faith in only Him for your salvation.)  In fact, whether you know it or not, you already are on the winning side.  Does that surprise you?

You might say, “Wait a minute!  If I am on the winning side, why do I feel so defeated?”  Yes, sometimes we do things that we shouldn’t.  We behave in ways that are inconsistent with being a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.  But if you are truly repentant and confess your sins to Him, you can be assured that He knows your heart and has forgiven you.  (1 John 1:19)

There are a couple of other things that must be considered if you are to understand this correctly.  One, as conquerors our victory has nothing to do with you or me.  It has everything to do with Jesus.  Secondly, our victory has nothing to do with you or me.  It has everything to do with Jesus.

Okay, that was a little redundant.  But there is a point here.  If you’re the type to boast and become prideful as a Christian because you believe you had something to do with your salvation, you need to remember…it’s not about you, it’s all about Jesus.  Conversely, if you’re beating yourself up because you messed up or are wondering if God cares or loves you due to your circumstances, you need to remember…it’s not about you, it’s all about Jesus.

In Romans 3 and 4, Paul talked at length about those who boasted because they felt they were justified before God either because they were descendents of Abraham or because they believed their own righteousness merited God’s favor.  In fact, some Jews considered themselves greater than the Gentiles because they were of the circumcision.  Paul corrected this faulty thinking and ensured them that God was the God of the Jews and the Gentiles.  What really mattered was righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ and His shed blood.  Jesus is the one who justifies.

Then in Romans 8, Paul alleviates some of our concerns about sin.  For those that put their faith in Christ Jesus, He has set them free from the power of sin and death.  Yes, we still live in sinful bodies.  That’s our natural state, but Paul explains that in Romans 8:10 that, “...even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness."  Paul tells us to put to death the misdeeds of the body.  So we need to do our part and cooperate with God.  Repent, turn yourself around and follow Jesus.  But we see again that it’s because of Jesus that we are free from the condemnation of sin.  It is all about Jesus.

Christianity is also not a feel-good religion.  It’s not about pumping yourself up or stroking your ego to make you feel good.  There are enough self-help books at the local bookstore for that kind of thing.  Neither is it about a defeated lifestyle.  There’s a healthy balance in understanding that as a Christian you have the resources of the Holy Spirit to help you live a victorious life.  A holy life.  Notice I didn’t say a happy life.  Jesus didn’t suffer up on the cross so we all could live in comfort.  In fact, as a true believer, I would imagine there will be times you will encounter some difficulties.  Opposition.  Maybe some hardship.  Your experiences may differ from mine and others.  The one thing that is certain, though, is that God is in the business of changing lives.  His goal is holiness and He wants us to be sanctified and be like His Son Jesus.  For some, that may be a difficult and painful process.  For others, it may not.  However, if you’re on the side of Jesus Christ, you are an overcomer, a victor, a winner!  Paul gives us this glimpse into our victory at the end of Romans chapter 8.

Romans 8:31-39

More Than Conquerors

 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then can condemn? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

   “For your sake we face death all day long;

   we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What is this passage saying?  First of all, this is after Paul was explaining the idea of suffering.  He encourages us by saying that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.  There may be unpleasant times in our lives when we go through trials and testing.  But if we’re to share in the inheritance and glory that comes through Jesus, Paul says we also must share in His sufferings.

So, in a way, Paul is encouraging us.  Don’t lose heart and don’t lose hope.  “If God is for us, who can be against us?”  Interestingly, Paul invokes the life and death of God’s own Son by saying that God didn’t even spare Jesus to accomplish His plans.  Can you imagine that?  We think we have it bad in this life.  Jesus went through persecution, the cross, and even death.  So it’s no wonder that Paul is so encouraged.  If God is going to go through such lengths to bring about the plan of salvation for those He has chosen, can any form of suffering on our part somehow thwart that plan?  Seriously, for anyone to believe, for example, that they can lose their salvation due to any circumstance or person or thing, it’s ridiculous.  When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, it’s a done deal.

I like how Paul ties in our victory through Christ’s love for us.  If He loves us that much that He will die on a cross to justify, restore, and sanctify us, can we not also be assured that nothing will keep us from a relationship with Him?  If sin, hell, death, or Satan himself could not contain Jesus, how much more can we know that through His love for us we will arise victoriously?  We may endure hardships.  We may endure famine.  We may need to endure some difficult circumstances like many of our brothers and sisters in the persecuted parts of this world.  But one thing is for sure.  Nothing can separate us from the love of God.  And it’s all because of Jesus.

Now that’s a victory dance I want to be a part of.

Suffering and Pregnancy

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As we have seen in previous posts, suffering is an integral part of our decision to follow Jesus Christ.  In talking about suffering, we’ve noticed what motivates Christians to take this step and subject themselves to persecution and even death.  But there’s a side to this that begs the question…why?

This question goes beyond motivation, because we know that since Jesus was rejected by the world and suffered and died on the cross that the Christian’s motivation is to follow Jesus.  The answer to the why, though, is quite simply because of sin.

In discussing sin and suffering, have you ever considered what our sin has done beyond the obvious?  We know, or should know, that sin caused us to be separated and at enmity with God.  It wasn’t until we accepted what Jesus did on the cross for us were we restored and brought back into a right relationship with God.  But what about the rest of creation?

You do know that your sin affects others, don’t you?  You should understand that you’re not an island and are not isolated from the world.  Our sin has consequences that run deep.  Obviously, the one who sins is the offender and the one who will reap what he sows.  Fortunately, the bigger issue of seeking and receiving forgiveness and God’s mercy is already taken care of by Jesus.  However, there are also others who are affected, the offended party (parties.)  The sinner often needs to humble himself and ask for forgiveness from the one he offended.  Or quite possibly, make restoration for any damage or loss that occurred.

Those consequences are significant in their own right.  But how has our sin affected the rest of creation?  What?!? What do I mean by that you ask?  The simplest way to discuss this is to look at two passages in Romans.

Romans 5:14

14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.

Romans 8:20-21

20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

It is interesting to note that not only did the rest of creation do nothing to bring about the sin problem, but it was subjected to it unwillingly.  Before the fall of man, creation was in perfect harmony with God.  In fact, God looked at His whole creation at one point and said it was very good (Genesis 1:31). 

So when man sinned, what happened?  The consequences ran deep and started a chain of events that culminated with Jesus dying on the cross to take care of the problem that man created.  It didn’t exactly end there, though, did it?  Otherwise, the world wouldn’t look like it does today.

Now there’s another set of events occurring that one day will restore things back into perfect order.  During this time period known as the “last days,” God is orchestrating those events to bring about His plan of salvation that ultimately will bring Him glory.  This is what Paul is talking about in Romans 8:18-30. 

The picture that Paul presents is one of childbirth.  In relating to suffering for Christ, Paul identifies this experience to a woman in pregnancy.  As a woman nears the time of giving birth, she goes through some difficult and painful experiences herself.  But as most mothers know, this experience can be excruciating at times, but when the child finally arrives and is delivered it is also the most rewarding.

So with that in mind, consider what Paul is saying here in this text:

Romans 8:18-25

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Look at the language Paul uses.  In verse 18, he compares the Christians’ present sufferings like a mother expecting a child.  And like a mother waiting for that amazing day when her baby will be born, Christians also look forward to the glory that will be revealed in them.

Here’s the interesting part.  Creation waits in eager anticipation for the children of God to be revealed too!  Just as much as Christians look forward to the day when God’s glory will be revealed in them, so does creation.  This describes something called glorification, which in the most basic sense is “[the] ultimate and complete conformity to the image of Christ Jesus.”

Think about that.  Creation waits in eager anticipation.  For something that wasn’t even guilty of the sin itself, and being subjected to frustration as verse 20 says, it’s amazing that creation is excited for us.  But it’s also to its benefit because, in verse 21, “creation itself will be liberated from its bondage.”

For reasons that may go beyond human comprehension, God’s design was to keep creation intricately linked with the human condition.  When sin entered the picture, both man and creation were affected.  In the same way, when glorification is realized, both are brought into freedom.

To reiterate his point, Paul describes the childbirth experience in more detail in the following verses.  He talks about how creation has been groaning.  If you think about it, that actually makes sense.  Look at the world and how it’s going through much pain and anguish.  It’s excruciating.  And Paul also says Christians groan inwardly as we await for our adoption.  If you notice, the process of our adoption is much like the childbirth experience.  This probably speaks to the same suffering we’ve been talking about before.  But could it be something else too?  It’s difficult to explain, but as a Christian, don’t you long for that day to be with the Lord?  Aren’t some days painful, and all you want is for this experience to be over and to be with Jesus?

This long period of time, the days, months, and years leading up to that moment is what Paul is talking about when he says, “For in this hope we were saved.”  A mother hopes when she’s pregnant, doesn’t she?  Sure she does.  But you say that the evidence is right there so it can’t really be hope.  No, not really.  She doesn’t have the baby yet, but she hopes in anticipation for that day when she will hold her child in her arms.

So, too, the Christian hopes.  The Christian looks forward to that day with the same hope that mother had.  With the mother, there’s a clear indication that she’s pregnant, right?  So, too, with the Christian, there’s clear indication of the hope that we have with the evidence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Aren’t you just awestruck at the comparisons?  If a mother is pregnant, her hope surely isn’t in vain.  Obviously, there are complications in the real world sense.  But typically, when a mother is pregnant and her belly is way out there, she doesn’t think, “Oh, I hope there’s a baby in there!”  No!  For her, it’s a certainty.  I think what Paul is saying here is that if you have the Holy Spirit, the Christian should not wonder, “Oh, I hope that I’m really God’s and that I’ll go to be with Him one day.”  No!  Just like the mother, the Christian should look at his hope as a real certainty.

Does that excite you?  If not, it should.  Because what would be better than to go home to be with Jesus!  And in the process receive this wonderful gift of finally being conformed into the image of our Savior Jesus Christ!  But like Paul says, “…if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”  Of course, let’s wait for it patiently.  But I hope you’re excited about it too.  I am!

Suffering for Jesus

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Previously, under the post Heirs of God, I pointed out that there is suffering involved in being co-heirs with Christ.  It sounds like a difficult thing to embrace becoming a Christian, doesn’t it?  I mean, who really looks forward with anticipation to suffering?  But Paul and other early Christians looked at suffering much differently than we do.  I don’t believe for a second it’s something they “enjoyed.”  However, suffering for the name of Jesus motivated them.

Let’s try to put this in perspective.  Think of someone that you love so much that you would lay your life down for them.  Is that your child?  Your spouse?  A parent maybe?  How about a close friend?  Paul put it this way in Romans 5:7:  “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.”  That’s pretty significant, isn’t it?

But how is our love for Jesus?  The same as or slightly better than those close to us?  How about loving Jesus more?  Let’s go a step further.  How about loving Jesus that goes above and beyond anything or anyone here on earth?  How about your own life?  Jesus said, “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”  That’s raising the bar pretty high, right?  Jesus also said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.”

Is Jesus really advocating hating someone?  No, because that’s not consistent with 1 John 2 where John explains that no one can claim to be “in the light” if they hate their brother or sister.  Not only that, but John explains later in the same letter that in 1 John 4 God is the epitome of love.  It would be contrary to His nature to advocate hate toward someone.  1 John 4 also says that, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.”

A better explanation, then, of Jesus’ statement in Luke 14 is to understand that He often used hyperbole to emphasize many of His points.  This is similar to Luke 6 where Jesus tells someone to take a plank out of their eye before taking a look at the speck in their brother’s eye.  Do you think someone really has this huge log sticking out of their eye?  No.  Hyperbole is “an extravagant statement or figure of speech not intended to be taken literally.”  So what Jesus is really saying then is that in comparison to your love for Him, your love for anyone else ought to be so insignificant that it appears to be hate toward those that are close to you.

So when we discuss the disciples’ motivation in the early church to suffer, and even die, for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ, how much do you believe they loved Jesus?  I would wager a guess that not many Christians in this nation understand this concept.  What amount of persecution have you endured by being a follower of Jesus?  To put it more bluntly, how many people know you’re a Christian?  Are you a closet Christian?  Do you only make it known on Sundays in church?  Jesus had something to say about those who are afraid to acknowledge Him:

Matthew 10:26-33

26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. (emphasis mine)

Maybe you’re a Christian who is vocal about Jesus.  I would still be surprised, other than a few exceptions, that anyone here in this nation has endured persecution that comes close to other Christians in China, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Saudi Arabia to name a few.  But that may change.  Times are changing.  Our culture is changing.

How do you think homosexuals view Christians these days?  Have you read the news recently?  There’s a clear picture of where our nation is headed by looking at the events surrounding homosexual issues in the U.K.  But what about here in the U.S.?  Not surprisingly, circumstances are changing rapidly here as well.  The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has labeled many prominent Christian organizations as “hate groups.”  Is this point to criticize homosexuals?  Not so much as to point out the fact that there are indeed different forms of persecution and that Christians in the United States should be prepared for this as well.

This is, however, not to compare the struggle of Christianity here in the U.S. to places like Afghanistan.  In Afghanistan, there is a brother who is enduring the worst conditions of any Christian other than being stoned to death or being decapitated.  One paragraph explains it all:

He was forced to appear before a judge without any legal counsel and without knowledge of the charges against him. “Nobody [wanted to be my] defender before the court. When I said ‘I am a Christian man,’ he [a potential lawyer] immediately spat on me and abused me and mocked me… . I am alone between 400 [people with] terrible values in the jail, like a sheep.” He has been beaten, mocked, and subjected to sleep deprivation and sexual abuse while in prison. No Afghan lawyer will defend him and authorities denied him access to a foreign lawyer.

Other real stories of persecution are taking place daily.  Such as in Orissa, India.  Hindu extremists are daily attacking Christians, beating them, and even injuring pregnant Christian women along with their children.  Some Christians are fleeing from their homes and villages for refuge fearing larger-scale violence, such as the kind that took place in 2008 that resulted in 100 deaths in the Kandhamal district.

Then there is the issue of the Book of Revelations, or rather The Revelation to John.  And also Daniel.  The end time prophecies, though they’re difficult to understand, definitely point out that things are going to get pretty bad.  In Revelations 2, there’s this angel saying that the Church in Smyrna will suffer persecution, even to the point of death.  The point is is that we can’t expect things to continue as normal.  The problem for most of us is that we have become complacent to the point where we don’t expect the end times to come during our lifetimes.  But what does Scripture say about this state of mind?  1 Thessalonians 5 says:

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

We really shouldn’t be so complacent.  We need to be alert and aware of the events taking place in our world today.  In Luke 21, Jesus describes what the signs will look like.  One of the things He says is this, “And he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.’”  Question.  Are you prepared if that day were to come tomorrow?  How is your faith in Jesus Christ?  If someone were to come into your home tomorrow and say, “Deny Christ or die,” how would you respond?  Are you willing to suffer for the name of Jesus?  Are you willing to confess Him and die for Him?  Or is Jesus someone who just makes you feel good as long as it doesn’t inconvenience you?  Because these events could happen soon.  Maybe in our lifetime.

The real question is:  How much do you love Jesus?  Are you willing to suffer for His name’s sake?  First, you must ask yourself about being willing and able to do what it takes.  Count the cost for being a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Jesus said:

Luke 14:27-33

27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. (Again, emphasis mine.)

There are those who do represent Christ and are willing to give up everything, those who suffer and are persecuted for His name’s sake.  These people don’t take the decision to follow Jesus lightly.  Many of these potential believers know that once they decide to follow Jesus, they could lose everything.  Many are even ostracized from their own families.  It would seem like a slap in the face to forsake the religion or traditions of their ancestors.  But many of them do count the cost knowing these things will happen.  In some parts of the world, making the decision to follow Jesus and identify themselves as Christian means death.  With that in mind, they obviously know what’s at stake, but in their hearts they are deeply in love with Jesus and are willing to go the distance.

Organizations like the Voice of the Martyrs, the Spirit of Martyrdom, International Christian Concern, and Gospel for Asia provide much needed assistance to our brothers and sisters who struggle to share their faith in heavily persecuted areas of the world.  Regularly, Christian brothers and sisters are putting their lives on the line by just sharing the Gospel.  Passing out Bibles, having a Bible study, or holding church in the basement of someone’s home is seen as a crime and is often sought out by local authorities to bring them to “justice.”  Read their stories.  Read about their amazing faith in the midst of some of the most difficult of circumstances.  Then ask yourself, “Can I do this?”  Then ask yourself, “How much do I love Jesus?”  One day you just may have to answer that question as an heir of God.

Heirs of God

by Lenin Rodriquez at http://www.creationswap.com/lrod

I previously wrote about heirs in a prior post, but I want to discuss the idea of being an heir from a different angle. Hopefully you can see the distinction, as before it was more about heritage, this time I want to approach this from the angle of sonship. I hope you agree.

What do you think about when you hear someone being mentioned as an heir? Do you think about royalty, like the Queen of England? Or maybe you think about someone who is a son or daughter of a very wealthy family.  Paris Hilton anyone?  Heirs in our day have somewhat of a bad reputation for being arrogant, spoiled, and completely unattached to the realities of the world. Without having to work or earn the inheritance, these people are merely born into a life of luxury.

Sadly, and unfortunate for them, they don’t learn to appreciate exactly what it is that they have been given. Many people have varying opinions on how they view heirs. Obviously it’s not the same for everyone. Prince William and Prince Harry have been raised to appreciate the life they have been given from a position of prestige, power, and influence. But unfortunately, there are offspring to wealthy families that do become obnoxious and stains on society. People often view them with a measure of either envy or disdain. Depends on values and perspectives, of course, but generally there’s a sense of envy because of how life and luxury was handed down to them on a silver platter.

Given this background, what would you think about being an heir of God? It may be difficult to imagine because the truth of this seems so distant. It can be hard to put this into perspective, can’t it? But when a person becomes a believer, one who puts his/her faith in God’s Son, Jesus, as the only One who can save them, there’s a transformation that takes place. The transformation is something that goes beyond our imagination. The Bible, God’s Word, says that we become sons of God.

Sons of God. Think about that. Before we were saved, we were considered enemies of God. And now we are sons of God? Is there anything more remarkable than that? Look at this passage:

Romans 8:14-17

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

When you read this, is there anything that grabs your attention? For me, it does. In this passage, Paul says that we received “the Spirit of adoption.”  For one thing, we are adopted into God’s family. We even get to call God our Father. Abba Father actually means “daddy” and describes a relationship that is deeply personal. Secondly, through adoption we get to be heirs with Jesus in the kingdom of God! Wow! Does any of this make sense? Not really, but in God’s infinite grace and wisdom, He extends this idea of sonship to people who were once his enemies. We get to enjoy the benefits of calling this awesome and amazing God, Daddy!, and also of belonging to God’s family as if we were born into it.

I don’t know a lot about earthly kingdoms or those of certain family dynasties that pass on their inheritances. However, I would imagine that not many adopt someone from outside their lineage and pass on an inheritance of any significant worth or value, particularly a family heirloom or keepsake. Isn’t God’s Kingdom worth more than these?

God, however, is not anything like the world. He has specific purposes in what He does, and in adopting outsiders as His sons, He not only gives us certain rights and privileges, but gives us the title of co-heir with His true Son, Jesus!

Paul, in letters to the Galatians and Ephesians, gives a little more clarity on this subject:

Galatians 4:1-7

1 What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2 The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Ephesians 1:3-10

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

In the letter to the Ephesians, Paul notes the reason behind such an honor to be adopted into God’s family: it’s to the praise of His glorious grace! In other words, it’s about God receiving glory. Do you know that’s why you were created? In this passage in Ephesians, Paul says that “He predestined us for adoption…to the praise of His glorious grace.” God already had this all planned out, that when He would send His Son to die on the cross for our sins, and through that sacrifice redeem us from the dead, He would ultimately give us the privilege of being adopted into His family for the ultimate goal of bringing glory to Himself. I think we all ought to be stunned and in awe of such an amazing God and an amazing gift that He has given us.

Now, before anyone begins to gloat and somehow thinks that any one of us is deserving of this privilege, let’s stop right here and think again. God makes it abundantly clear that none of us are worthy. God says that there is no one righteous and no one who does good. We are all deserving of His wrath and destruction because of our sin and rebellious nature. It is only because Jesus paid the penalty for our sins and covered us by His righteousness that God even looks in our direction and shows grace toward us.

Consider what Paul said in the passage to the Galatians. Paul said that we were slaves. Slaves to what? Slavesslaves to lawlessness, slaves to death itself. We were destined for destruction if it were not for Jesus. Like Paul said, “…we were under the elemental spiritual forces of the world.” The amazing thing is that God loved us so much that He sent His Son to be born under the law to redeem us, slaves who were already under the law, so that we might be freed and adopted into His family. to sin,

So, unlike how the world responds to being an heir, as Christians we should view this position in God’s family soberly. Should we act like spoiled brats, somehow thinking we are more deserving? Do we look at others who come to church unkempt as unworthy? Do we tarnish God’s image by continually engaging in behavior that is unbecoming as followers of Christ? How do you respond to someone who cuts you off in traffic? How do you react to your boss who criticizes your performance? Are you forgiving toward your spouse and kids? To your neighbor? How about your enemies? Do you show mercy as God has shown you mercy? These are only a few examples, but you get the point.

Being an heir of God should have far greater significance than anything in this world. If people envy heirs of this world, how much more attractive should it be to be a part of the family of God? In truth, everyone should have the desire to know God as Abba Father and want this deep, personal relationship with Him. So, for those of us that do have this privilege, we should honor Him and share the Good News about Him so that others will have the same opportunity as we do.

This brings me to a couple of final points. One, sonship (this term is in the general sense, meaning both men and women) doesn’t just happen without something to do on your part. Does that mean that you have to earn your way to heaven? No, what it does mean, though, is that you have to receive His gift under His terms. That means you have to see sin the way He does. You have to acknowledge your sin and ask for forgiveness and repent from it. It also means you have to accept Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as the only propitiation for your sins. Scripture actually says that you have to believe and have faith in Jesus Christ, that He is the Son of God, and confess Him as your Lord and Savior. You have to believe in His life, death, and resurrection! One recommendation I have is to read my posts on the Bad News and the Good News for more on this. Or, much simpler, talk to a Christian friend, neighbor, or pastor. Any Christian would LOVE to spend the time with you to share the Gospel message, which Paul says “…is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”

The second point, which I do not mean to gloss over, is in the passage itself. Do you remember in Romans 8:17 where Paul says we are “…heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together?” The Christian faith is not a feel-good religion. I hesitate to use the word religion because it can be taken out of context, but it’s important to understand what Paul is saying here. By becoming a Christian, there’s an understanding that there will be suffering involved. Why? For one, Paul says it develops our character and gives us hope. But more than that, he says that it should be expected that we suffer for Christ for the Gospel’s sake. If Christ suffered and was rejected by the world, why should we expect anything less when we believe upon His Name for our salvation?

Perhaps suffering is a good thing. Unlike the heirs mentioned at the beginning of this post, Christians should be less likely to be the spoiled, self-centered type knowing that following Christ is not the life of luxury. But don’t misunderstand this. It may not be the lap of luxury, but it is a privilege. To be adopted into God’s family is the best thing that could ever happen to you. Also, to follow in Christ’s footsteps was actually an honor, and his first disciples understood this to the point of being martyrs themselves!

This is what Jesus said:

John 13:15-16

15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

Being an heir of God. It’s something to think about. It’s nothing like the world knows or understands. It’s far greater. But it’s also a challenge, isn’t it? To become a Christian means you must love Jesus more than anything or anyone else. You must be willing to suffer. In other words, you need to count the cost. Are you up to the challenge?

My Wife Shelby

Here’s a late Valentine’s Day gift for my wife.  Though she would be embarrassed by any extra attention brought her way, I feel compelled in my heart to write this because of my love for her.

It has been a difficult time for her this past year due to unemployment.  In many respects, it has been hard for her not only because of the economy, but because of her physical limitations as well.  It’s not that a job or career is what defines her, but employment does give a person a sense of value.  A job gives a person a feeling of being needed and having something to contribute.  This is what she is missing.

It was shortly before losing her job that she discovered she had a neurological disorder.  Working from home allowed her flexibility in that if an episode occurred where she could not function for the time being, she would be able to take a few hours off and make up the time later in the day or sometime during the week.  Not that she would admit this, but it’s my belief that this disorder had some part in why she lost her job.

This neurological disorder of course has a name:  trigeminal neuralgia.  The short version of this disorder can be described at the Mayo Clinic website as follows:

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. If you have trigeminal neuralgia, even mild stimulation of your face — such as from brushing your teeth or putting on makeup — may trigger a jolt of excruciating pain.

You may initially experience short, mild attacks, but trigeminal neuralgia can progress, causing longer, more frequent bouts of searing pain. Trigeminal neuralgia affects women more often than men, and it's more likely to occur in people who are older than 50.

Because of the variety of treatment options available, having trigeminal neuralgia doesn't necessarily mean you're doomed to a life of pain. Doctors usually can effectively manage trigeminal neuralgia with medications, injections or surgery.

There’s so much more to this condition that it would take pages upon pages to go into more detail.  Suffice it to say that treatment is not as easy as is described here.  (Notice the phrase in the third paragraph “…doesn’t necessarily mean…”  Although you could take this to mean that a person with this condition doesn’t have to suffer through with this condition, it’s more appropriately taken into context when it’s understood that in some cases, treatments may help certain patients.)  Also, the symptoms aren’t as simple as is described here either.  It also doesn’t help that ongoing treatments would cost more than what we can afford, and if we could there are no guarantees that any of the treatments available would be the cure.

It makes my heart ache knowing that there is nothing I can do, as her husband, to help her with this particular problem.  Worse yet is the fact that there is nothing I can relate to that would help me to understand her pain.  It does help, however, that there are others who have this condition that she can communicate with, either through facebook, twitter, or other media, that has given her some level of comfort that she is not alone in this.

My wife is such a strong person, with determination that this condition will not rob her of her entire life.  But there are moments when circumstances do weigh heavily on her.  As we all know, life does have a way of becoming a burden at times.  This is no big surprise because as she knows, and I know, sin has been a plague for mankind since the beginning.

God, of course, has been and will always be her Rock.  He is the Anchor that keeps her from drifting away.  If you didn’t notice in the description above on trigeminal neuralgia (TN), this condition can “progress, causing longer, more frequent bouts of searing pain.”  Without God, this would seem like a death sentence.  And unfortunately, for some, it has been.  God helps her to keep all of this in perspective.  She knows that her time here on earth is short.  That there is an eternity that awaits her, in the presence of our Loving Savior, that will be spent without pain or suffering.

Does this knowledge mean that there are days that don’t get rough for her?  No, of course not.  But in the middle of those episodes when she’s experiencing pain or some other letdown, she knows, even if it’s in the back of her mind, that there is hope.

There’s another issue here though.  Partly because of the TN, partly because of the down-turn in the economy, and partly due to other extenuating circumstances, she has been in a dejected state.  It’s difficult for anyone when there are periods of isolation.  Living in Iowa during the winter months has not been kind.  One of the triggers to her pain is a rapid fluctuation in temperature on her face, thus the many days and weeks indoors.

With all of these circumstances, it’s easy to see why my wife is feeling low these days.  In one conversation, I remember her saying that she doesn’t feel like she has much to offer.  Anyone in her situation would probably feel much the same way.

This is where I hope to offer something for my wife.  Honey, you are a gift from God.  You are special and unique and you have so much to offer the world, despite the feelings you are currently experiencing.  Your value doesn’t come from a career or a job.  Your value is in who God created you to be. 

Please don’t see this comment as coming from a sexist point of view, but God saw a void when he created man.   In that moment, He took a part of man to bring to life a remarkable creature…woman.  This isn’t to diminish the value of any woman; rather it highlights something significant about man.  His life is incomplete alone and God saw that he would need a partner in his life to be his helpmate. 

That is who you are in my life.  Alone, I see my life as being incomplete.  When you came into it, suddenly there was a sense of purpose.  I know in reality that for both of us that God is the One who gives us purpose.  But I believe God uniquely designed you, my wife, to add a whole new dimension to my life and my perspective of it.  That is what you have done for me.

But there’s so much more.  I know I can’t see your heart the way God does, but I do see a woman with a caring heart.  You have so much compassion for those less fortunate.  When there is pain and suffering, when there is sickness, death, or other calamity, you have the ability to empathize.  That puts you in a special place to be able to pray for people and intercede on their behalf.  You are a prayer warrior.

I also know something else about you.  You have a desire to serve.  I hear how much you enjoy taking care of people when they step inside our home.  Your focus is on them and making sure they are enjoying themselves rather than involving yourself in on the fun or the conversations.  It’s a servant’s heart.  And to me, that’s very attractive.

You also light up a room.  Your smile is infectious.  When you’re in a conversation with others and you are obviously having a good day, it seems to add so much to the ambiance.  You have a way of putting others at ease.  It is a gift that goes well with being the hospitable woman that you are.

Then there’s this side of you that not many get to know.  You are an extremely loyal friend.  But this loyalty does not come without a cost.  It may be the reason why it’s difficult for you to get to know many friends.  Loyalty is not something that happens immediately.  It takes time to get to know you and to build trust.  It’s an investment that not many are able or willing to take the time for.  Perhaps the reason most people are unwilling to nurture a relationship like this is most likely because of our culture.  Far too many rush into friendships and want immediate results.  This often leads to surface-level relationships.  They’re superficial and do not endure the test of time.

However, if there was another girl friend that was fortunate enough to get to know you in this way, she would experience the benefits like no other person she was ever associated with.  She would have a staunch supporter on her side.  She would have a prayer warrior who would thoughtfully petition the Lord for her needs and concerns.  And there would be no greater friend when trust was on the line.  She could be secure in the knowledge that she had someone she could confide in with and know that her words would be held in confidence.  It would be a friendship that is as deep as any sister-to-sister relationship.

In a way, you are indispensable.  God created you with a purpose.  You have only to listen, wait, and be patient.  God will reveal to you in His timing the things that He wants you to do and be a part of.  The thing is is that in the meantime God is preparing you.  There is this Scripture that comes to mind:

Romans 5:3-5

3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

You have so much to offer.  God has uniquely gifted you to be a part of His plans.  You know that discernment is one of your gifts.  So is hospitality.  Are those highly visible gifts within the body?  Maybe not.  But when you use your gifts in the service of others, you become a blessing to them.

You are also a blessing to me.  I know how empty my life would be without you.  I want you, and need you, to know how much I admire you and love you for the woman that you are.  Always know that I am on your side.  And that I am yours forever.

Your loving husband,

Dean