Coffee With The Lord

Ever go to bed at night to a threatening sky and all during the night see the flash of lightening, hear the sharp crack of thunder, and the pounding of rain… only to wake in the morning to the bright smile of the sun and the fragrance of spring?
That’s what the resurrection of Jesus accomplished in our world! And to those who believe on Him it is more than simply a wish… it is a confident expectation (“hope” by the Bible’s definition of the term)!
The Eternal God, manifested Himself as a babe in a manger and lived among us in a sin-corrupted, pain diseased world, filled with oppression and violence. Down through the centuries until today the situation has not gotten any better… the sky of human culture is threatening, hope is fading…
But Jesus conquered death! His resurrection brings hope! The “Sun” (really “Son”) has “risen” and hope abounds in the face of the storm clouds of sin, despair, and judgment! What Jesus accomplished with His resurrection changes everything!

1 Corinthians 15:16-22 puts it this way…
“If the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep (died) in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied! But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive!”

A defining event – most people have one in their lifetime – an event that above all others people would associate with their life. That defining event may be accurately self-identified or others identified. It’s telling when both self-identification and the identification of such an event by others intersect and coalesce!

That happened in the life and mission of Jesus! If I were to show you a cross, what would immediately come to your mind? My hunch? (No more than that)… my prediction? You’d say “Jesus Christ!” In a very real way it was and is the “defining event” of His life. There were other very, very significant events to be sure… many of them absolutely critical to our salvation (like the resurrection, for example!) but it is the cross that occupied his mind and focuses our attention and association as well.

The defining event of Jesus life… His redemptive death on the cross!

He’s the one who, when speaking of His death, said, “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ No, but for this purpose I have come to this hour! Father glorify your name!” (John 12:27)

His redemptive death on the cross is the focus of our communion observance… Apostle Paul emphasized: “As often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)

Two Greek prepositions dominate the Bible’s description of the significance of the redemptive death of Jesus… “anti” and “huper.”

Where “Anti” is used it focuses most upon the fact that he died “in our place.” In a real way he died so we could live. His death was “substitutionary” – we deserved to die for our sins, but He took our place, He was the “Passover lamb” who died that we might live!

Where the Greek preposition “huper” is used it emphasizes especially that Christ’s death was “on our behalf” – for our benefit! Christ died to provide forgiveness, redemption, reconciliation and eternal life! Without His sacrifice we’d be lost and condemned! But His redemptive sacrifice opened up a doorway into incredible, eternal blessing and benefit!

Oh it’s time for worship! For thanksgiving! For commitment! Today I’m remembering and reflecting on the “defining event” of my Savior and yours – the cross of Jesus Christ!

From eternity past into eternity future… “The Jesus story! A manger and beyond!” Today, the day after Christmas, I’m reflecting on “His sinless life and selfless ministry.”

Can you imagine it… “He was tempted in all points (in all the ways) such as we are, yet without sin!” (Hebrews 4:15) I know the struggles I have with temptation… and I know the times I’ve failed. To my shame, I also know the times I’ve even entertained and wished for the thing that would tempt me. Not Him… in purity of heart and life He overcame! That’s why the very next verse assures (and invites) us… “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need!” What a Savior! Jesus, not only an overcoming example – my helper!

Jesus also exemplified selfless ministry… both during His life (and in His death on our behalf)! Apostle Peter summarize His life accurately: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38) In fact John declared, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil!” (1 John 3:7) His early ministry was literally jam packed with miraculous, selfless ministry to others! In fact, I think one of the most characteristic acts of Jesus – a miracle that epitomized His ministry – was the day that he reached out and touched an “untouchable” leper with compassion and “cleansed” (or healed) Him. What a model for us! May we follow His example of selfless ministry “In His Name” as we approach the New Year.