July 10, 2009

“It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.” 2 Tim. 1:9-10 The Message

What makes this Message so complicatedly simple …?

God has done all the work .. all the real necessary work of finding you .. pursuing you .. loving you .. calling you .. forgiving you .. filling you .. and guiding you. We keep trying over and over to add just one layer of our own effort and sweat to this light-blazing life we share in Christ. Why is it so complicatedly simple …? Things like sin .. death .. fear .. bitterness .. jealousy .. unforgiveness .. distorted love .. shortcuts .. addictions .. get in the way. Your are called to “work” .. the work of believing .. trusting .. and guarding what Christ has done for you and is doing in you this very moment. And God has even provided the hardest part of guarding your life: The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s role is to guide you today .. in truth .. in right living .. and shape your life in image of Jesus.  Your life is to be a Message today. Simple enough …? That means your life is on the front lines of this heart-stealing .. mind-numbing .. life-conforming battle. It may not seem like it. You may find yourself walking alone and in a seemingly dry place. So did Jesus. He knows exactly what you are facing today .. and He is not going to walk off or shake his head in condemnation. The world you live in is full of complicated relationships with damaged and wounded lives … damaging and wounding others along the way. And the Message that Jesus has for wandering lives is found in your life today. He doesn’t want you to face today unguarded or wearing yourself out trying to do His work. It’s simple: Your new life is hidden in Christ .. visible for all the world to see .. the death-defeating gift of the “saving life of Christ”.  It only takes a moment … Guard it well today ..

“So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It’s as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us.” 2 Tim. 1:13-14 The Message

Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F to Love-rooted followers of Jesus and friends of Priority One (ken@priorityone.org)