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Showing posts with label 2 Corinthians 5:21. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2 Corinthians 5:21. Show all posts
A few years ago, our congregation finished a building project that had been a dream for decades. Each week we are reminded of God’s goodness as we worship in a warm and beautiful sanctuary. There is one feature, however, that many cringe at as they walk past; a 3x6 ft framed mirror. It hangs on our back wall simply to provide visual balance to the window to our cry room on the other end of the room. Yet, some wish it wasn’t there, for who really likes to look at a mirror anyway.
Yes, mirrors are necessities. We must look at them to make sure our hair is combed, our teeth are clean, and our clothes are on straight. But for some of us, once we’ve got ourselves put together in the morning, we avoid looking in the mirror for the rest of the day - especially big one.
Whether it is insecurity, poor self image or a desire to remain in ignorance, some people don’t like mirrors. And who can blame them? Mirrors don’t just show our best side, but also our blemishes, and no one wants to be reminded of their imperfections. However unless our imperfections are revealed, they can never be fixed, which leads to much greater problems.
In many ways God’s Word is treated like a mirror. People enjoy looking at it when they are being reassured in their life - hearing about the many blessings and promises Christ offers. However when God’s Word begins to point out our imperfections or sins, most people cringe away; tucking their Bible on the far end of their bookshelf - avoiding it at all costs. For no one likes to be reminded of their imperfections.
King David, someone whom God called “a man after His own heart,” treated God’s mirror in a much different way. In Psalm 139:23–24 he wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Instead of cringing away from God; David invites Him to take a deep look within. To test him, to search his heart and mind for anything that brings offense to God. David asks the Lord to serve as a mirror, pointing out his imperfections, his blemishes, his sins. David knows that only God alone can accurately point out and take his sin, and lead him in a new way of living. David knew he needed to look in God’s mirror often.
We do too. James 1:23-24 compares the Bible and the work it does to that of a mirror; exhorting each of us not to simply hear or read it, but also to do what it says.
As we invite God through His Word to examine our heart, He points out our imperfections, our wickedness, and our sin. Yes, it is ugly. In fact the prophet Isaiah says our sin stains deep like crimson, and our attempts to cover it up reek like filthy rags - images no one likes to be reminded of.
If we close God’s Word there, we miss another, more important, reflection; that of Christ. For God promises that all who acknowledge their sin, repent and turn to Christ will be forgiven (1 John 1:8-10). In fact, no longer is their sin seen, but instead Christ’s righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). We are now a reflection of Jesus Christ and the more time we spend in His Word, the more we are transformed to be like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18).
I encourage you to take a close look each and every day into the mirror of God’s Word.
It wasn’t the same every year, and I can’t be certain it was always on February 14th, but my father always made sure he expressed his love for us during this time. I don’t recall all the ways he expressed his love for us over the years, but one Sunday near Valentine’s Day I can never forget.
The car’s engine had barely stopped spinning, and I was halfway into our house. I couldn’t wait to get my “church clothes” off and get into something more comfortable. As I rushed in the front door and began to tear through house toward my room, I stopped. No, not by the voice of my mother telling me not to run in the house, rather by what I saw.
Most Sundays after church, while mom and dad got dinner ready, it was the job of us kids to set the table with the “good (or Sunday) China.” But not today; the table was already finished. Moreover, each place setting was topped off with ornate heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates. It didn’t take long to discern who was responsible for this scene; two clues gave it away. Dad’s plate was noticeably empty, while Mom’s plate was lost under the largest heart on the table. Although Dad loved us all it was clear who was his Valentine.
That didn’t matter, in fact in many ways it was refreshing to see how much my dad loved my mom. Besides, I know he loved me too. This clearly displayed how much by father thought of, cared for, and loved each of his five children. As I stood silenced by my Father’s actions, I felt loved - my dad thought of and cared for me. His actions plainly demonstrated it. I was special to him. I was my father’s valentine. In return, I couldn’t help but love him back.
Yet, as wonderful as my father’s expression of love was, there is one Valentine’s gift greater still; given us by our Heavenly Father - the gift of Christ. I John 4:9-10 says, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
The first Valentine ever given wasn’t a box of chocolates or dozen roses, it was God’s one and only Son. Jesus was sent not simply to be our teacher, example, or miracle worker; but as our replacement, our redemption, our salvation. Because of our sin, we deserve death and can never enter into the presence of God. Yet, because of His great love for us, God wasn’t going to let that happen. As a result, He did the only thing that could change our condition. He sent His Son, who was without sin to pay for ours.
Out of perfect Love, God gave everything so we could be with Him. Christ not only took our sin, but God gives us His righteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” God’s Love not only paid our debt, but credited our account as well.
Yes. The first and greatest act of love came from God. According 1 John 4:19 “We love because he first loved us.” We are only able to love others, because God first loved us! For God is the origin and source of all true love. When one has experienced His Love, the response is simple; he can’t help but love God in return. Moreover, our ability and capacity to love others overflows from God’s love in us. As we experience God’s Redeeming Love, we are enabled and excited to extend it to those around us.
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