Unstuck
I Corinthians 15:2 (NIV)
2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the Word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
John 8:36 (NIV)
36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!
Good morning!
Do you like a good scavenger hunt? Our children loved hiding little clues all over the house which, in turn, led us to the secret treasure. It seems our grandchildren are enjoying the adventure of scavenger hunting now. One Sunday afternoon after church, our grandson Joshua wanted to hunt for Jesus. We went from room to room, looking for pictures and figurines of Christ and for crosses hanging on the wall. Stopping at a large crucifix by the master bedroom, Joshua looked up at me with a grief-stricken face. “Nanny,” Joshua said emphatically, “Jesus is stuck! We need to get Him down from there!” The words rolling off his little three-year old tongue caught me off guard. I choked back a giggle and grin, knowing this wise little one was absolutely right.
The memory of that conversation with Joshua has stayed in my mind’s eye for months now. I mentioned it today at the Thanksgiving table. My sister-in-law Gail reminded me that for many Christians, Jesus still hangs on the cross. They never fully claim His power for daily living. Some hold on to their salvation experience but go no further in faith. Many Christians draw the line by leaving the Lord dangling and refusing to allow His resurrection to change their life completely. They believe Jesus died to save them from eternal separation. They repent of their sins, receiving complete forgiveness; yet choosing to leave the Savior hanging; unwilling to step out in faith.
Change can be a scary thing. Change can happen at a moment’s notice. We find ourselves changing jobs, changing schools, relocating from one town to another. We change the laundry, change our clothes, change our hairstyle, or change an unsavory habit. All of these changes affect our life. How has your faith changed you? When you asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, were your changed by that decision? Does it change you every morning when you sit in His holy presence? Or is Jesus a secret treasure you keep tucked away, hidden from the people around you?
Joshua is right. We need to help Jesus get unstuck in our hearts. He died on a cross to save us. The really good news is that Jesus rose again! He lives and reigns forever – the grip of death has been broken and new life is waiting for all believers, not only in the hereafter, but for each day! Christ changed it all up for humanity. Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, watching and loving us all the time.
The Apostle Paul reminds us to hold firm to the Word – the Word which is our Christ. His gospel saves and frees us to live for Him today, tomorrow, and forever. Is Jesus stuck in your heart? Will you allow your salvation experience to move you from acceptance to joyful obedience, to honor and glorify your Lord? If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: courage to allow the risen Christ to change how you live out your life, beginning this morning. May the Lord give you grace to tell His story to everyone you know!
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© Copyright 2006, Deb Spaulding
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