November 5, 2012
“God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Matt. 28:28 The Message
God is serious about “this way of life” that he has called you into. He’s called you into a way of life that is impossible to understand without Jesus. People try all the time to be good .. to be kind .. to be fair .. to be loving .. to be something that they think or hope will make them a better man or woman. But Jesus has called you into a way of life that He fills with himself. He’s called you into a way of life that has no explanation without him. He’s called you into a way of life where He makes his life visible through you. He make his grace available. He makes his resources available threefold: Father-Son-Holy Spirit. He hasn’t called you into “this” way of life and left you to figure it out on your own. Jesus offers his life far and wide for every corner and every moment. The life He offers has smooth moments .. rough moments .. abundant moments .. and wanting moments. You can have all the “things” of life and miss the way that is Jesus. But with Jesus, you will find your way because it’s His life in you that becomes the way. You get the same offer .. same help .. and same promises that God has given his family for thousands of years. He doesn’t hold anything back. Jesus puts you on the same ground as everyone else who hears his message .. accepts his offer .. and welcomes him into their lives. And this way of life isn’t really a choice. When you stepped into this JesusLife you stepped into his life. And He stepped completely into your life. There are words of holy fine print in this way of life: Atonement .. Justification .. Redemption .. Reconciliation .. Resurrection .. Sanctification .. and one day a grace-filled consummation. The words are real: backed by this Son. This way of life is real also. And He has called you into it. He’s calling you to walk into this day and let Him shape your life into His life. And along the way you’ll pass it on. It only takes a moment.
“The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I’ve been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, and same promises in Christ Jesus. The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board.” Eph. 3:5-6. The Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to Ways-of-Life following Jesus (ken@priorityone.org)
