Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Bring it on, Death! (An Ode to the Resurrection)

A thought worth pondering (I think.):
Life is created out of nothing - an ASTOUNDING truth to come to grips with on its own. HOWEVER, we must admit that for all of Life's incredible power display, somehow Death managed to limit Life. Death, jealous and scornful of Life's multliplying, abundant nature, crept in and layed a blanket of shadows over Life.
What a sad ending. Poor Life.
Thankfully, the Lord Almighty is not a God of sad endings, nor a poor God. He created Life, we chose Death, and He didn't let us go. He made a way for NEW Life, the kind that can't be put down or limited by Death; He made Resurrection. Resurrection can't be held down, can't be overshadowed, can't be conquered by death, can't be outdone, can't be denied, can't be stopped...
What a Lover, that our Father should create Life. What a Redeemer, that Jesus should submit to Death. What a Mighty One, that God should offer the unstoppable power of Resurrection for our souls, in exchange for our subscription to death.

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true:
"Death has been swallowed up in victory."
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
-I Corinthians 15:54-57-
He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; He will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.
-Isaiah 25:8-
I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?
-Hosea 13:14-
I hope I haven't just ruined David Crowder's new book for you. I haven't read it, but in merely perusing the title & synopsis, I have to wonder if Crowder's been reading my blog.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Worth It All

"Or, you may fall on your knees and pray—to God's delight! You'll see God's smile and celebrate, finding yourself set right with God. You'll sing God's praises to everyone you meet, testifying, 'I messed up my life— and let me tell you, it wasn't worth it. But God stepped in and saved me from certain death. I'm alive again! Once more I see the light!'"
-Job 33:26- (The Message)
"Out of that terrible travail of soul, he'll see that it's worth it and be glad he did it. Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant, will make many "righteous ones," as he himself carries the burden of their sins. Therefore I'll reward him extravagantly— the best of everything, the highest honors— Because he looked death in the face and didn't flinch, because he embraced the company of the lowest. He took on his own shoulders the sin of the many, he took up the cause of all the black sheep."
-Isaiah 53:11- (The Message)

I don't understand Your ways
Oh but I will give You my song
Give You all of my praise
You hold on to all my pain
With it You are pulling me closer
And pulling me into Your ways

Now around every corner
And up every mountain
I'm not looking for crowns
Or the water from fountains
I'm desperate in seeking, frantic believing
That the sight of Your face
Is all that I need
I will say to You

You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it
You're gonna be worth it all
I believe this

Song: Worth It All
Artist: Rita Springer

Do I believe it? I hope so...
What's poured out in every day action will prove or disprove my "belief." I pray I may be given a full measure of faith, to seek Him fully. I couldn't bear to bring only a part of me to Him, not after He gave everything for me and called it "worth it."