September 19, 2013

“Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life — no longer at sin’s every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection.” Romans 6:6-7 The Message

God could have placed signs all along your life: “Stop .. Don’t go that way .. Don’t do that .. Think first .. This won’t work .. You’re not in control .. Sin hurts everyone around you .. Sin will make your life miserable .. and If you’ll trust me to lead you — I will.” Of course, the signs have been there every step of your life .. every moment of your life .. everywhere. It didn’t matter. We .. you and I .. have weighed God’s promises against our own efforts. We actually try to convince ourselves that “I” can make “my” life just a little bit better than God can. We know it’s not true but we try it anyway. After all .. God’s plan involves “me” giving up something “I’m” just not ready to let go of … yet! God’s plan is pretty simple. He dealt with your problems by dealing directly through His Son. Your problems became His problems. (And sin is always a big problem) Jesus takes everything associated with your life .. all of it .. and it (your life) is nailed to a cross. A cross? Yep. There is no other way to deal with the problem of “you”. In return, you “get included” in Christ’s life-saving resurrection”. Life-saving is more than you can ever comprehend. Years later you can look back and still be amazed at how far God reached out for your life. The cross and His Son: your misery .. your fear .. your anger .. your shame .. your masks .. and your powerlessness to change are engulfed .. embraced .. and conquered in his death. The only way life ceases being all about you is when you trust God to free you from being all about you. It’s a big step: Trusting .. Believing .. Surrendering .. Accepting .. Receiving .. Resting .. and Abiding in this One named Jesus. He is the only sin-conqueror and life-saver. And God wants you included … It only takes a moment …

“All your lives you’ve let sin tell you what to do. But thank God you’ve started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom.” Romans 6:18 The Message

Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F to The Set Freed Ones following Jesus and friends of Priority One (kchesterp1@gmail.com)