A Worthy Cause
(Entry Date : April 11th, 2010)
Scripture
John 19:30 – When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Observation
“It is finished”. That was the end of His suffering on the cross. It was the end of His life journey on earth. 33 years of life on earth; it was supposed to be at the prime of His life and could have accomplished greater things and caused greater impact in the world. But, He chose to obey God and fulfilled the prophecies that were written about Him. He didn’t die an honourable death; in fact it was the most degrading kind of death only given to the worst criminals of that time. He died a shameful death. The kind of death that was unworthy for “The King of the Jews” (His death sentence). Sad to say the world did not appreciate the sacrifice He had made except those God allowed Him to be made known to. Was it a worthy cause? To the human viewpoint; it was unworthy and pathetic; a total waste of talent and young life. If given a chance to ask Jesus this same question. I know without a shadow of doubt, He will say; “Yes, it was a worthy cause; even if I had to die for just one person, it was still worthy.” Friends, this is the Saviour we are serving. Are we still holding something back ? Does He deserve our best and all? Yes, definitely; He deserves nothing less than our best and all.
Application
I am forever indebted to Jesus; the Author and Finisher of my faith. The only thing I could do is to live a life worthy of His calling. In my life, may I bring Jesus the glory, honour and praise. Through my life may people know that Jesus indeed came for a worthy cause.
Prayer
All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him, I freely give. I will ever love and trust Him in His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all. All to Thee, my blessed
saviour, I surrender all.
ARE YOU WILLING TO OFFER YOUR “ISAACS” TO GOD?
(Entry Date : November 22th, 2009)
Scripture
Gen 22:12 – “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”
Observation
God tested Abraham by asking him to offer Isaac; his one and only son as a burnt offering to Him. Try to visualise how Abraham struggled to come to term with God that He finally gave him a precious son in which God’s promise held and there God wanted him to smash his only hope and what he lived for. It would be the worst nightmare one can expect. But, Abraham obeyed God even though he did not understand why a loving God would request him to do such an inhumane deed. The good news of this story was God intervened and Isaac’s life was spared and so was Abraham; spared of a broken heart.
However, God did not spare His own “Isaac” i.e. Jesus, but freely gave Him to the hands of His creation and saw for Himself, how His son had to suffer a gruesome death on the cross for the redemption of mankind. God had the power and authority to intervene but He chose to refrain from exercising His sovereignty because He knew it was necessary for His son to die on the cross to reconcile man to God. That is the Father heart of God.
Application
I have 2 “Isaacs” (Ryan and Ashley) in my life. What if the Lord will to ask me to sacrifice their education, health or lives? Am I willing to offer them at the altar for God? Abraham was willing and was spared of the heartache but not God. God experienced the heartache in full blow. What if God will to want me to wear His “shoes”? May God grant me the grace and strength to go through what He had gone through.
Prayer
Father, everyone has their own “Isaacs” in their lives and I have mine. Prepare me in advance if one day, You were to ask me to offer my “Isaacs” to You. This is the test of my faith and Lordship in You.
Proud To Be Called A Christian
Scripture
Phil 1:27 – Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner
worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Observation
Have we been a good testimony for the Lord? Are we secret Christians only known to God, church friends and some close friends? There is a price to pay when we call ourselves Christians. People will hate us, persecute us and we will be treated unfairly. Jesus never promised us a bed of roses when we became Christians but He offered us the cross. We are told to carry the cross daily i.e. to deny ourselves, to nail our sins on the cross and see the redemptive works of Christ on the cross. The finished work on the cross has given us a new meaning in life, a new relationship with God and a new power to live for Christ. If we can’t live a Spirit-filled life in a free and open society and shine for Jesus, what makes us so confident that we can stand firm when real persecution breaks out?
Application
Becoming a Christian is to tell the world that I belong to Jesus. I have to conduct myself in a way that will not tarnish the name of my Savior. I can draw strength from the finished work on the cross and with His power and enablement; He will allow me to shine for Him.
Prayer
Father, I allow You total access to my life so that You can work at it. Let my life bring glory to Your name. I want to be proud to be called a Christian.