‘God with us’ – i.e. Christ in you – is the prize God gives you! (Is 7:14; Mt 1:23; Col 1:27) We often get very busy with doing things for God – from good deeds, to even our efforts in ‘faith’ and ‘belief’. God does and will reward these efforts and deeds! (Mt 25:31-46; Mt 18:4,6,18) But what’s the ‘prize’? What is it that God actually came for, in the person of Jesus Christ? What is it that Christ actually died and suffered for? The prize of God – the very purpose of the gospel (and of heaven!) – is to be with you! To be in you! ‘The mystery of God is revealed… Christ in you!’ Colossians 1:27 This relationship with you, this ‘togetherness’ and intimacy, is the point of it all! You can do so much for God – both in secret and in public – and all of it be good, but then go home and feel lonely, not actually feel and enjoy the Lord’s presence. This saddens the Lord! You are doing great work for him, honoring him with your faith, but not actually allowing him to draw near to your soul, your spirit, your home, your heart. A powerful, historical example of this is the church of Ephesus. Jesus himself, through the prophet and disciple, John, speaks to the church and tells them that despite all their good deeds, their solid doctrine and testing of false apostles; despite their suffering for the Lord… they have ‘lost their first love.’ (Rev 2:1-5) Jesus calls them back to their childlike faith, their ‘first love’, and it is so significant to Jesus that if they fail in this ‘heart connection’, he says he is going to remove their lampstand – their church! The prize God has fought for, is to be with you. His very name – Emmanuel – means, ‘God with us’. (Mt 1:23) Know that you are loved. Know that your sacrifice and suffering is seen and noted by God. But put down your efforts for a while, and sit with God. He carved your name on the palm of his hand (Is 49:16); he really suffered so that he could be in your presence, and you in his presence. Be with him! For short, encouraging video reflections, subscribe to my YouTube channel @ PWALKER YOUTUBE
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AuthorPeter Walker. Archives
March 2022
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