In My Place
Ephesians 2:18 shares the good news resulting from the outcome of our peace with God.
“For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”
ACCESS to God. Can you even imagine? If such privilege has become commonplace to you, or if you simply desire a greater sense of awe to appreciate your access, read Psalm 104 aloud at this time.
I don’t know about you, but this psalm makes me feel rather miniscule, and yet we, of all creatures great and small, have access. Why? Because Christ became our peace on Calvary.
I will never forget watching an evening talk show featuring the story of the parents and killer of a young college student. The killer was his best friend. The weapon was high alcohol content inside a speeding automobile. We’ve heard so many stories about drunk drivers and their victims. What made this particular feature prime-time viewing? The parents had forgiven the young driver and if that was not enough, they had taken him in as their own.
This young man sat at the table in the chair which was once occupied by their only son. He slept in the son’s bed. He worked with the victim’s father, teaching seminars on safety. He shared their fortune and supported their causes. He spoke about the one he had slain in ways only someone who knew him intimately could have.
Why did these parents do such a thing? Because it gave them peace. The interviewer was amazed; I was amazed. I kept trying to put myself in the parents “position” but I could not. Then, as the tears streamed down my cheeks, I heard the Spirit of God whisper to my heart and say:
“No wonder you cannot relate. You have put yourself in the wrong position. You, my child, are the driver.”
God was the parent who not only forgave, but also invited me to sit as His table in the space my Savior left for me. As a result, I have peace.
Father, thank You for helping me understand how it is that Jesus came to bring a sword and be the Prince of Peace. Thank You so much for the glorious, gracious access I was given through His blood, shed on the cross. Thank You for blessing me with Your supernatural peace. Please help me to be faithful to share the good news of this peace with others. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Adapted from Living Beyond Yourself, by Beth Moore, pages 92-94. Nashville: LifeWay Press.
On this day...
- A Divine and Supernatural Light Immediately Imparted to the Soul by the Spirit of God - 2012
- THE DISCIPLINE OF HEEDING - 2009
- THE INITIATIVE AGAINST DREAMING - 2009
- THE INITIATIVE AGAINST DRUDGERY - 2009
- Facing Uncertainty - 2008
- Price of Peace - 2007
- ARTIFICIALITY IS A DISEASE Of THE SOUL - 2007
- WE ARE BECOMING WHAT WE LOVE! - 2007
- Our Forgiveness - 2007
- Acts 8:3 - 2007
- Psalm 39:3 - 2007
- IN WORD AND IN POWER - 2007
- Isaiah 3:10 - 2007
- Psalms 22:7 - 2007
- Lead Us Through It - 2007
January 15, 2011