"I have come that you might have life." - Jesus.
"I am the life" - Jesus.
Often when you strip verses from their context, the meaning is lost and you are left with something that goes against the whole of scripture. However, taking these two quotes from their context and placing them next to each other offers deep insight into the whole message of the Bible and makes for easier understanding of many other passages.
He came simply to make a gift of His life, and infuse it into as many as are willing. Eternal Life is defined by Jesus Himself - a PERSON - not a endless sucession of days.
Did you know that we don'
t live according to teaching nor ethics nor morality. In fact, we no longer live at all, but Christ lives in us. He doesn't stand aside and wait to see how we live up to His teaching or ways. Rather He infuses Himself within to become the very means of works and the dynamic of His own demands.
I've learned to look at all God's commands as something that He intends to fulfill in me as I abide. That lesson only came as I realized that my best efforts on my own were far from enough.
Ever watch chimps on TV act like people? There was a series of commercials for "Career Builder" you might remember that were hilarious. The monkeys were so good at acting like a man, that it was funny to see.
So, what did I expect when I thought my efforts could fulfill the holy law of God?
Do we expect more than a laugh?
How much harder is it for man to behave as though he can be holy than it is for a monkey to behave as though he were man?!? It really isn't funny, is it? It is religion and is prideful and derseved my sorrowful repentance.
Lord, keep me far away from the flattering notions of the enemy that I am something, and that I can do anything apart from you. Lord, keep me weak, and grow me weaker still that I may learn to rest fully upon you. Be the oil in this lamp, and the electricity in this bulb, that I may simply let you out - to shine your glory as your humble servant and empty vessel. Abide in this earthly tabernacle today, as you abided in Jesus 2000 years ago. It is for your own namesake that I have been called to be your dwelling place in this realm.
04/11/07 @ 05:49
04/11/07 @ 21:51
04/12/07 @ 01:50
04/12/07 @ 12:02 Remember the words of your Savior also, you shall forgive your brother even seventy times seven times, as I have forgiven you. ~ God [Letters from God and His Christ - Volume 1 - Stand Firm in the Face of Those Who Would Mock You for My Names Sake]
