I don’t normally do two posts in one day, but I was reading an older (okay 2 days old) post by Skip Moen and I came across this explanation of what it means to fear God: God invites me to walk hand-in-hand, but when I feel the grasp of His fingers, I am aware that He is touching me ever so lightly lest I be crushed. I am the butterfly in His palm. I depend entirely on His grace. [1] I’ve never really understood what fearing God meant; Is it being afraid of Him? That doesn’t make sense if I’m to love Him and if He loves me. But this image totally explains how I can love God and He can love me, but how I can also fear Him. Ah, now I understand why it is the beginning of wisdom. Thanks Skip for such a beautiful image! [1] Moen, Skip. “Justice as Antidote.” Hebrew Word Study | Skip Moen. At God’s Table, 28 Jan. 2011. Web. 29 Jan. 2011. <http://skipmoen.com/2011/01/28/justice-as-antidote/>.
I am in Christ Jesus by His doing. 1 Corinthians 1:30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” It seems that lately I’ve had more questions than answers. My question here is, “What does it mean to be ‘in Christ Jesus?’” Here is the answer I found on one site that was pretty good: As you stated, the phrase “in Christ” appears multiple times within the pages of the New Testament. The biblical meaning of this phrase can be found in Ephesians 2:11-22, where the apostle Paul points out the fact that “in Christ,” both Jew and Gentile have been “reconciled” (brought back or reestablished) into a right relationship with God through the blood of Christ (see Ephesians 2:13-16, and note the word “reconcile” in Ephesians 2:16). [1] It still doesn’t really tell what it means to be “in” Christ, but it does sort of talk about that to be “in” Him is to be reconciled to Him, to have a right relationship with God (through the blood of Yeshua). So, to be “in” Him, could be to be in His blood and restored to a right relationship with YHWH. That’s certainly good news! So essentially I am restored to a right relationship with YHWH through the covering blood Yeshua! Wow! [1] Riley, Mike. “What Does It Mean to Be In Christ.” Mike Riley’s Articles. 23 Sept. 2007. Web. 29 Jan. 2011. <http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com/2007/09/23/what-does-it-mean-to-be-in-christ/>.
I am sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Ephesians 1:13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation–having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, The Holy Spirit of promise. What is that? I know who and what the Holy Spirit is, but what is this promise? The Greek word means “an officially sanctioned promise” or “a summons.” In Acts Sha’ul says we are given the promise of the Holy Spirit. One writer says that almost all New Testament mentions of a promise point back to the Old Testament, which makes sense since that’s the only “Bible” Sha’ul had when he wrote all his letters. I wonder if it refers to the promise that God made to Abraham. Or, even more likely, the promise that Yeshua made when He told the disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit to them. That makes sense. In John 14:26, Yeshua says, “But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you.” Perhaps the promise is of the Holy Spirit, who is a comforter and a helper to remind me (remember ADAM means to remember) of all the things that Yeshua taught. Next, what does it mean to be sealed… a seal is used on a piece of wax that is melted in order to place an image upon it. Once the wax dries the image, if it is whole, means that the document or whatever is being sealed hasn’t been broken. If the seal is broken, it’s a sign that the item has been opened, read, or tampered with. So perhaps the Holy Spirit is that image imprinted into the wax of our lives that declares that we are God’s based on His promises and the message of truth (that YHWH is the One True God and Yeshua is His Son who, through His sacrifice, enabled us to have a restored relationship with YHWH again). I wonder if the seal can only be broken by God – kind of like the doors that only God can close and open. Interesting.
The heavens declare the glory of the LORD The moon hides its face in shame at the mere reflection of Your beauty. The stars for all their twinkling light can never match the magnificence of Your glory. Though the sun may shin with all its might it will never be but a shadow of Your brilliance. O God, You reign in the heavens! Your majesty humbles all creation. Though man lifts his face against You he is but a speck of dust, blown swiftly away. You honor those You choose and humble those who strut around in pride. You hear the smallest of Your children’s call yet You command the most violent of storms. All creation bows to You It sings Your praises! Though man works evil against it Your power and might prevail. Your cleansing blood overwhelms their efforts, Purifying Your world, Proclaiming Your might.
I am joint heirs with Christ. Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. An heir is defined as “A “beneficiary” and in the broadest sense is a natural person or other legal entity who receives money or other benefits from a benefactor” (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heir). Today being an heir doesn’t necessarily mean all that much, but in the first century the heir was important. He often transacted business in his father’s stead, he was given authority to speak and command, and he spent much time with his father learning all he needed to know in order to successfully take over the estate. Even though he was given authority and power by his father, he didn’t use it to do whatever he wanted. He knew his father’s goals and purposes and so directed his energy and authority to make those things happen. Wow, sounds familiar, huh? All those things that an heir has, we have; both his privileges and his responsibilities. Granted, our heavenly Father will never die (thankfully), but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have the rights of heirs. Remember, we have to look at this in light of how a man in the first century would understand it, not in the cultural context of our society today. When I really think about what it means to be a joint heir with Christ… that means that we have been given the same power, authority, and responsibility that He was given in order to carry out His (and our) Father’s will. That’s pretty incredible!
I am more than a conqueror. Romans 8:37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. We shrink from war and battle in today’s society. It’s not a war against terror, no mention of strikes or maneuvers, on the outside chance we offend or seem too harsh. We are bred for pacificity, not peace or war. But we are strong warriors in Christ! We don’t just kinda conquer, we overwhelmingly conquer the enemy! That should make us want to grab our swords, take a battle stance, and start hacking away at the enemy’s kingdom! A strong arm with shield held high A strong hand with sword wielded skillfully A strong mind to plot the enemy’s demise A strong heart to take courage and endure Strong feet to stand firm and strong Created to conquer No longer content to stand by No longer willing to watch Stride confidently Win overwhelmingly No shrinking back No fear For our God is greater Our God is stronger Our God is a mighty commander And His army has already won the battle! * Incidentally, the sword in the picture is a replica of Glamdring, the sword carried by Gandalf in The Hobbit. It is called “Foe-Hammer” and “The Beater” by its enemies.
This song has been playing in my head so much lately. It is pretty much what I feel when I think of God. What Do I Know of Holy by Addison Road I made You promises a thousand times I tried to hear from Heaven But I talked the whole time I think I made You too small I never feared You at all No If You touched my face would I know You? Looked into my eyes could I behold You? (CHORUS) What do I know of You Who spoke me into motion? Where have I even stood But the shore along Your ocean? Are You fire? Are You fury? Are You sacred? Are You beautiful? What do I know? What do I know of Holy? I guess I thought that I had figured You out I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about How You were mighty to save Those were only empty words on a page Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees (CHORUS) What do I know of You Who spoke me into motion? Where have I even stood But the shore along Your ocean? Are You fire? Are You fury? Are You sacred? Are You beautiful? What do I know? What do I know of Holy? (CHORUS 2) What do I know of Holy? What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame? And a God who gave life “its” name? What do I know of Holy? Of the One who the angels praise? All creation knows Your name On earth and heaven above What do I know of this love? (CHORUS) What do I know of You Who spoke me into motion? Where have I even stood But the shore along Your ocean? Are You fire? Are You fury? Are You sacred? Are You beautiful? What do I know? What do I know of Holy? What do I know of Holy? What do I know of Holy?