Changed Priorities!

TEXT:

‘He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again’ – 2 Corinthians 5:15

THOUGHT:

Who has the final say in your life? Is it you or someone else like your spouse, parents or children? Christianity is about coming under new ownership. God is now in charge and should have the final say. Life’s decisions need to be submitted to Him for His approval.  Our text speaks about a changed priority.

• There was a reason why Jesus died – ‘He died for all’

As we celebrate Easter we are reminded of what Jesus did – ‘died for all.’ ‘He tasted death (both physically and spiritually) for everyone’ – Hebrews 2:9. Through Jesus God is now reconciled with this world. He offers a free gift of salvation. It’s now up to the individual to be saved by calling on the name of Jesus.

• There was a resurrection – ‘Who died for them and rose again’

If Jesus did not rise from the dead, there would be no new life for us either. We are made alive with Christ. Without the resurrection there would be no Good News or miracle at Easter. Jesus said, ‘I lay down My life that I may take it up again’ – John 10:17. Peter boldly proclaimed to the religious authorities, ‘You killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of whom we are witnesses’ – Acts 3:15. Read through 1 Corinthians Chapter 15 to learn more about the wonder of the resurrection and how it affects the Christian.

• There needs to be a response – ‘That those who live should live no longer for themselves but for Him’

It is not enough just to receive the free gift of salvation. It has to be outworked from within our lives. How much of our life does God get to influence? How often do we really mean it when we pray, ‘Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’ or ‘Not my will but Your will be done?’ The secret of successful Christianity, spiritual growth and bearing fruit that remains is, ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you’ – Matthew 6:33.

When we solely concentrate on ‘These things’ we end up seeking first our own will, goals and dreams. However by seeking first the kingdom of God, it is amazing how the things of this world lose their attraction, as we see them for what they really are. We are able to overcome the curse of selfishness. The Bible has a lot to say about pleasing God with a reformed lifestyle.

• There needs to be a reaching out to others

Think for a moment, Who was responsible for you coming to Christ? Where would you be if they had not spoken to you? The great need in the church is for Christians to recognise they have a debt of love to repay. Not just to the one who led them to Jesus, but to do to others what has been done to them. After the resurrection and baptism with the Holy Spirit, the Apostles became witnesses of Jesus. They were fearless, even to the point of persecution and death.

Someone was asked, “Do you witness and share your faith?” They replied, “No, I’m so concerned about my life, I do not have time to worry about anyone else!” That is true of so many Christians, living just for themselves. The Bible reveals that those who have been raised with Christ have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. We are ambassadors for Christ, urging people to be reconciled with God.

Enoch has this testimony recorded about his life; that he pleased God – Hebrews 11:5. Jesus has the same testimony when the Father said, ‘This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased’ – Matthew 3:17.

The writer of Hebrews ended with this prayer,

‘Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,  make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.’ – Hebrews 13:20-21.

With a heart-felt response to Easter, let us allow God to do just that!