Saturday, April 30, 2011
Jesus lives! The victory's won! Death no longer can appal me;
Jesus lives! Death's reign is done! From the grave Christ will recall me.
Brighter scenes will then commence; This shall be my confidence.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 201:1)
Isaiah 42:10a, 12a (42:10-17) Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise from the ends of the earth ... Let them give glory to the LORD, And declare His praise in the coastlands ...
JESUS LIVES! THIS IS MY CONFIDENCE!
The meditations from this past week compared a great deal of man's purpose with God's purpose. If I look at Christ's purpose I see: THE HIGH PLACE OF CHRIST ... FOR THE PURPOSE OF LIFE!
He came to this world to bring deliverance from sin, death, and the devil and reigns on high to finish the work of faith He began in me. So I continue to look to Jesus alone for help and deliverance because I know how often I fail to give Him the praise He deserves. For from me flows OUT OF THE SAME MOUTH ... BLESSING AND CURSING!?! It is this continuous flowing of sin which drives me to despair. It reminds me of my own wretchedness and sin. It reminds me of a debt that I cannot, no, that I dare not try to repay! Thanks be to God who gives me the victory through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Who in view of that debt gives me a "RECEIPT FOR PAYMENT OF ..." my sins -- Jesus' resurrection from the grave!
Through the Holy Spirit I now know and believe in my heart that even though this body of mine is sown in corruption, it will be raised incorruptible. Jesus' death and resurrection assures me that He will transform my sinful body from what it is, FROM VOMIT TO GLORY! I cannot help but be grateful to Him. As a slave set free from a cruel and evil master, I pray that the Holy Spirit lead me to VOW TO FOLLOW THE LORD ... AND NOT SELF. I pray the Lord would bless me to follow these words of Isaiah today and forever! That I may always "Sing to the LORD a new song," because as he says He will NOT forsake me! (Isaiah 42:16). Praise the Lord! Amen.
