5.19.2009
Deep down we all want to fly. Right? Maybe not literally, but we all have dreams, aspirations, and goals in life. What's hold you back from jumping out and really living life to the fullest? In my review of this Sunday's message- I think I've found the answer. Lack of experiencing a genuine love. A love that pays a debt we should have paid.
Check it out: "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
Luke 7:41-43
There's nothing like encountering the love of Jesus. It makes you want to fly, soar, and move. But, it also shows you the ways that you fail, stumble, and ultimately- sin. In the midst of this encounter, is where I believe we find the passion to fly. When we have our debt paid for us; the love that boils up inside of us is so intense that we cannot contain it. When it comes out- it's in the form of living life, a full life- a complete life. Because it's life in Him. It's the only way to soar.
But to have that, we need to begin to understand His grace (that we don't deserve), encounter His love, and begin to comprehend the magnitude of our debt that He paid for us. It's wiped clean. It is no longer. So guess what time it is... time to fly.
Goose & Maverick ain't got nothin' on this ride.
Jason *over and out*
[photo via: technicolourkendall]
Some are called to live these crazy adventurous lives for Jesus, and some are called to live quiet non-adventurous lives serving Him in the mundane "everydayness" of life. One is not greater to the other in God's eyes.
Paul clearly defines how believers should live, and that is 1. obedience to God, 2. share the Gospel, 3. live at peace with all men, 4. serve EACH OTHER.
While the goal of "Turning the World Upside Down" is a great rallying cry, it's not always by selling everything you own and moving to Africa for Jesus. It can also be just living for Him in your normal everyday life.
Obedience is the key. IF (not "when") you are called to go to Africa or Vegas, you better go. But if God DOES NOT call you to go, don't be discouraged, you are called to live for Him where you are at, and that is equally as pleasing to Him.
1 Thessalonians 4:11. That verse is not preached a lot.
Encountering the love of Jesus is pure Gospel. (Romans 5:6-8)
When we encounter the love of Jesus, yes, it's pure gospel. Yes, the law shows us sin. But, in my personal interaction with Jesus through daily prayer, His word (Bible), His prompting (the Holy Spirit), I am convicted of my sin.
As we see the interaction of many throughout the New Testament with Jesus, they fall in shame not only knowing His love, but their burden they have carried (i.e. leper, prostitute, paralytic). The beauty of all of these interactions is that Jesus time and time again tells them to rise and their sins are forgiven.
When I see interaction with Jesus from these people, they see themselves for who they really are and in the same instance see how they can be by the grace of God through Jesus. It's a very beautiful picture.
Now, only obedience to God determines what that looks like for each person. Some never get the call to up and move to the mountains. That doesn't mean Gods not with them, it just means his plan for them is different- just as important, but different.
1 Thessalonians 4:11 is a great passage. I think that's why we need to read the Bible as a whole to see some people are called to move and do ridiculous things while others are called to stay were they are and carry out the work they are doing.
The bottom line as you stated, and I agree- Obedience. (which would be a choice, *wink, wink*)