Prayer – Christ suffered to bring us to God

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Pe 3:18). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Abba,

How incredible is this statement!  What a glorious and incredibly humbling truth!  In a world driven by selfish desire, personal ambition, and greed;  In a world that is becoming more and more lonely, isolated, and impersonal; in a world were love for others and servant heartedness seem a thing for past generations; how deeply this truth resonates, stirring our hearts in ways we perhaps thought long dead.  Few sacrifice and give for us in meaningful ways.  Most just take with no thought of how their actions affect others.  And here you are, the CREATOR of all things…suffering…IN ORDER THAT we might be brought to you.   ASTONISHING!  No one, ever, has loved me more deeply than you.  Period.  Why do I clamor and contend for the love of man when I have the love of THE almighty, infinite God already with me!  

This, Abba, this is how the gospel of Jesus invades my everyday life!  

When loneliness strikes — I remember the Son of God, who knew no sin, offering Himself in my place.  None have cared for me that deeply, ever.  Loneliness is shattered.

When fear of man strikes — I remember the Son of God whose love (displayed at the cross) can never be separated from me!  None can harm me.  Fear of man…destroyed.

When I am tempted to lust or greed — I remember the Son of God who suffered to bring me to God and I am reminded that there is NO GREATER PLEASURE than He who would die for me and I find satisfaction in Him!  Lust for lesser things…ripped to shreds.

When I am tempted to worry — I am reminded of a God who SUFFERED for me…if He suffered for me, how much more will he care for the thing I am tempted to worry about.  No longer must I worry about that which God has promised to provide for.

When I am tempted to despair or am caught in the thralls of depression — What better cure is there than to remember one who though He has the power create with spoke word, He willingly suffered in my place to bring me to God…to show me the BEST there is and invite me, through His sacrifice, to enjoy eternal fellowship with Him!  This is truth that will wipe away despair and give reason for hope!

Just writing these truths and pondering them fills me with such wonder and awe!  Dearest God, King, Savior, Father, Friend….may you grip and overwhelm our hearts, as your Church, with the wonders of these truths!  May the gospel of Jesus Christ invade and infuse our daily lives with hope, joy, and peace no matter how violently the storm around us rages!  

There is such hope and power in these words…these living words which speak such incredible truths!

And we love you desperately for them!