One Important Thing - 2 Corinthians 5:20

Today’s Bible reading can be found at this link: Jeremiah 2:1-22 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-21.

2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. (NIV)

If there is truly one thing that I would implore all people to be – especially my family, my friends, and my acquaintances – it would be to reconcile themselves to God. Far too many folks miss out on this wonderful opportunity that Jesus has given to the whole world by dying for everyone. Some of us go through life with a notion or an idea about God, thinking that all we need to do is to carry that thought in our head and everything will be alright. We believe that God will understand how busy we are and why we are so focused on what life means to us. We can put God on a shelf or in a box, only to be used in an emergency. But that’s not reconciliation, that’s actually manipulation.

Some folks wonder if God actually exists, so until they get absolute proof, they are going to live their lives the way they think best suits them. They can do what they want, go where they want, and believe what they want. But that’s not reconciliation either, that’s actually delusion.

Other people can follow their own course and reject God entirely. They blame churches and religious institutions for being imperfect. They hold grudges against pastors or church members for failing to live up to their expectations, or for expressing different viewpoints, or for not appeasing their own beliefs. But that’s not reconciliation either, that’s actually self-righteousness.

Being reconciled to God requires humility and submission. It’s the realization that we exist in God’s Life and not the other way around. It’s the recognition that we are imperfect in need of perfection, that we are incomplete in need of completeness, and that we are creatures in need of our Creator. We can do a million things with our lives, but in the end, if we have not reconciled ourselves to God, then not one of those achievements will actually matter; however, if we are reconciled to God, then all of those things we have accomplished will matter forever. The key to such eternal happiness is reconciliation with God. As C.S. Lewis once wrote:

“I do not think that all who choose wrong roads perish; but their rescue consists in being put back on the right road.” – in other words, to be reconciled to God means getting back on the right path to God.

Point to ponder

Am I reconciled to God or have I let something get in the way?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, the Gospels tell us that You are the way to God and through Your sacrifice, we can be reconciled to God forever. Help us to understand that this is not a given, it is actually an offer. Grant us the courage to humble ourselves, so we may be reconciled to God from this time forth. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM – you will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called “Heaven’s Highway.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Highway.

Short devotion: An Obsolete Word - Matthew 1:21

Matthew 1:21  “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

            As far as the world and the post-modern church is concerned, sin is an obsolete word. Decades ago, people understood that sin was something more than just a mere mistake or a foolish choice – it was a deliberate defiant act against God’s Word, which had eternal consequences. To sin was to put yourself under God’s judgment and expect His wrath. It was a word that people feared because it revealed to them the terrifying prospect of being damned forever. Sin severed people’s souls from God.

            These days, sin doesn’t appear to have any fearful aspect for us. We either take Christ’s saving ability for granted or we disregard the whole concept of sin. Most folks opt for the latter because it’s far easier to live life without being burdened by a religious standard or a faith morality. It’s much more convenient to excuse our sinful ways as being deeply personal and no one else’s business. In fact, some folks say, didn't Jesus tell us ‘not to judge others lest we be judged ourselves?’ In other words, they believe that what Jesus was expressing was a moralistic free-for-all where every individual was free to choose to do whatever they wanted and that no one else could condemn them for it.

            If Jesus actually meant that, then He didn't have to go to the Cross to die for our sins. If Jesus truly believed that everyone could make their own choices and no one else could judge them, then He didn't have to be crucified for our calamities. You see, Jesus went to Calvary because He was absolutely certain that sins have dire eternal consequences if they are left unconfessed, unrepented, and unredeemed.

            The world and the post-modern church may like to do away with the word sin, but they cannot deny that this has become a sinful world or even a sinful church. Sin still separates people from God and it needs to be forgiven through Jesus Christ. As it states in today’s verse, He was born to save His people from their sins. Without Jesus, we cannot get back to God. Without Christ in our hearts and lives, we cannot be restored to His Kingdom. Just because we don’t like a word or feel that it is antiquated, archaic, or irrelevant, does not mean that it does not exist. Sin Separates us from God, Isolates us from His grace, and Nullifies our consciences into a misguided denial that could ultimately cast us away from God forever. As C.S. Lewis once gravely remarked, “There is not one person in Hell who did not choose to be there.”

Questions for personal reflection

What are the major sins in my life? Do I take Christ’s grace for granted or do I truly repent of them?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You died for our sins for that was the only way in which we could ever be forgiven. We know that the world hates the word sin and that Your Church is often accused of being judgmental, narrow-minded, or even bigoted when confronting sin. Forgive us for our own failings, faithlessness, and fearful ways. Grant us Your grace and give us the courage to change our lives by living according to God’s Word. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message or have questions, please contact him by email at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Good Friday drawings called “Sin Bearer.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Sin Bearer.