Good Morning!
I just scrapped the entire first draft of my message today. Talking about what’s on TV isn’t worthy of our time. I think it’s far better to think of things pertaining to Jesus.
And, wouldn’t you know where my bible opened? To one of my favorite passages. I shared it not that long ago, but it’s worthy for today.
Isaiah 35:8-10 And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Eternal life starts with a life totally abandoned to Jesus. We who have done this, do so because we are redeemed by Him. Ransomed. Over and over, we see God proclaiming that He chose Israel, he redeemed them. He ransomed them. Here are some verses that I have highlighted just a page or two from this.
43:1b “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
v. 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
v. 10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.
v. 11 I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior.
v. 12 I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses,” declared the Lord. “and I am God.
v. 13 Also henceforth I am he; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?”
We who are born-again are also his redeemed. It’s not just those within the nation of Israel, the Hebrew people, that God is talking about. It’s his body, the church, the bride of Christ. That’s who.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
It’s all about him. He’s the one who paid the ransom. He’s the one who made the highway. He’s the one who saved me so that I may have eternal life.
Honestly, that’s what is important this Monday morning.
Father, you have redeemed me so that I may be your ambassador. For Christ. To do what? Make your appeal through ourselves. And what is that appeal? To implore all to be reconciled to You. That’s what your word says in 2 Corinthians 5:20. So, today, I ask that you create opportunities to do just that, grant me eyes to see and ears to hear and a mouth to speak to those whom you desire for me to proclaim the gospel. Amen.
Copyright © 2018 Scott Powers