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Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:14-20 (from ‘THE MESSAGE” by Eugene Peterson) 14-15 Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat. He included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own. 16-20 Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life emerges! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you “Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat. He included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own. Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We (the apostle Paul is speaking) looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone: a new life emerges! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. WE’RE CHRIST’S REPRESENTATIVES.”
How do other people see you? How do you see yourself? We may not be able to change how others see us at first – OLD MR. JUDGEMENT steps in and sees how I dress, act at the check-out counter, whether my car is on its last lap, whatever. Other persons' perceptions of us can shape their reality. For example, my 5 yr. old granddaughter and I were at the grocery store. I was choosing some paper toweling when Tiffany wondered why I didn’t choose Bounty towels. “You’re cheap aren’t you, Nana.” I said, “Oh, Tiffany, that’s not a nice thing to say.” Tiffany responded “Well, that’s what my Dad said.” I’m not sure if my son still sees me that way, or not. What amazes me is how often what they see and hear from us does not even vaguely resemble what we see or hear when we look at ourselves. I quote the following: “I have a mirror that I look into on a daily basis to see myself and to find the words I want others to hear from me. That mirror is the Bible. When I look into it, I see not only what is but what is POSSIBLE. I see not only what has been but what is to be. I see myself as God sees me. I find it a humbling experience to be sure. But it puts joy in my life, bounce in my step and a smile on my face. (Kate King, 2024 Disciplines devotional) SONG: “I’d Rather Have Jesus” (sung by Ellen) than silver or gold, I’d rather be His than riches untold; I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame. I’d rather be true to his Holy name. REFRAIN: Than to be the king of a vast domain or be held in sin’s dread sway! I’d rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today. (verse 2) He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom; He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb; He’s all that my hungering spirit needs. I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead. REFRAIN Let me take you to some commercials we see on TV. You are advised to take a certain pill, let’s say for insomnia but the side effects could lead to indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, wheezing, shortness of breath, you name it… Instead, Christ says I love you and will help ease your stress without any side effects. You might try praying, deep breathing, reciting Psalm 23 or The Lord’s Prayer… Or here’s one – bet on the lottery to win an amazing cash award and you can buy anything you want, say a new home. Jesus promises a fabulous mansion awaiting us. I love the commercial where a few people with long beards and a sobbing woman stand at a grave “So and so was a good man. He did not deserve to die.” And a young man standing by his bearded father says, “Dad, how did he die?” “He shaved. Don’t ever shave, son!” It’s an ad asking if you have gotten your tetanus shot yet. (In the early years even a slight nick of the razor could lead to death from tetanus.) A clever reminder. Jesus reminds us to think on things that are beautiful, lovely, honest & true. If there be any virtue, if there be any praise, rejoice in the Lord! OR- the Casper commercial showing pets for adoption or in universal Pet Shelters where pets have been mistreated and malnourished. A plea for adoption is urged. WE are adopted by Christ, just as we are, yet He sees what we can become and nourishes our soul while reading his Word and loving our neighbor. OR – how about POPCORN? Before knowing Jesus, our lives can be hard and unusable. The OIL represents the Holy Spirit who brings us to repentance. The PAN represents us, the community, the church which helps us to become all God wants us to be. The POPPED CORN represents a life turned completely around. Now, “dressed” in white, like a wedding dress, it symbolizes our readiness to be the bride of Christ. Kernels that WON’T POP are like those who refuse to come to Christ! When you give your life to Jesus, your life changes…oh, there will be bumps and detours on your journey…but your heart changes. Your actions change. You are a new person. Perhaps you have become less judgmental of others and more accepting as to what might be happening in their life. Put no stumbling blocks in anyone’s path. “Try a little tenderness” I believe the song says. SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 “That’s why we love with such good cheer. You won’t see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet! Cramped conditions here don’t get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It’s what we trust in but don’t yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? When the time comes, we’ll be plenty ready to exchange exile (this earthly existence) for homecoming.” (The Message)
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