BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD (Part XVI)

BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD (Part XVI)

In our portrait of the person and work of Jesus Christ, we have highlighted The Passion of Jesus Christ, dramatically unveiled via His betrayal, isolation, rejection, judgment, humiliation, derision, chastisement, satanic attacks and death by crucifixion.  Today, we rejoice in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which was celebrated yesterday by multiplied millions of believers around the world.

The story of the resurrection is well known to every believer; therefore, I will not delineate details.  However, I will explore the implications of the resurrection.  Why?  As I ponder ‘current goings-on’ in the institutional church, I wonder if we adequately apprehend the lessons of the cross and the resurrection.  Case in point…here is what GOD says about the spiritual status of repentant sinners:

Hebrews 10:16-17 (KJV)

¹⁶ This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

¹⁷ And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Here is what WE have to say: ‘The church needs to do background checks to see who qualifies.’

Question: If GOD has forgotten, why are we so prone to remembering?  While I am cognizant that wisdom dictates avoiding the placement of people with certain challenges into certain positions (e.g. it would seem imprudent to appoint a former pedophile as director of children’s ministries), we have stretched this strategy to a point that exceeds the very grace of God.  How so?  Consider this: If ALMIGHTY GOD processed (and dealt with) people like we do, Moses might have been permanently disqualified from leading and liberating the Israelites from Egyptian bondage because he was a murderer, a convicted felon.  Things that make you go “hmmmm!”

Although the institutional church actively teaches grace, sometimes our practice is diametrically opposite.  Albeit, the all “wise GOD” is much more intelligent than we. (Jude 1:25 – I Timothy 1:17)  In His divine economy, “GOD has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.” (I Corinthians 1:27, NKJV)  This is the underlying theological truth in Paul’s self-reflective statement, “when I am weak, then I am strong.” (II Corinthians 12:10)  We are asking the wrong qualifying questions.  The issue should never be where and what you have been in your past, but who you are and Whose you are in your present and future.

I love the irony of God!  Spiritual strength is perennially perfected in the cauldron of human weakness.  The result?  Believers become power tools in the hands of GOD, with the recognition that “we have this treasure [His Holy Spirit] in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of GOD and not of us.” (II Corinthians 4:7)  As such, it is never about you or me; it’s all about HIM.

Out of this recognition rises the revelation that Resurrection Power is our heritage and our inheritance.  WE get up because HE got up!  Always remember that.  The resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is “the firstfruits of them that slept,” is a clear indicator that we will one day be raised by Him. (I Corinthians 15:20 – I Corinthians 15:50-52)  Nevertheless, the day-to-day significance and application of resurrection power is equally important.  It means that fallen folks can be fully delivered from the penalty, power and practice of sin.  It also means that no one has the right to retain what Christ has remitted on Calvary.  “Because I live, “declares Jesus, “you will live also.” (John 14:19)  Resurrection Power is our heritage and our inheritance.

Stay tuned as we conclude our devotional series on tomorrow with an examination of the Post-Resurrection Appearances of Jesus Christ.  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed!