Brilliant!
But what, if after all that — all that we touched upon in yesterday’s post — what if after that great grace given us no one availed themselves of the fullness of that provision, plan, and possibility? That provision, plan, and possibility is this: “…God chose you …to be saved …that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thess. 4:13-14). To share in the glory of Christ is not vanity in self, but magnification of Him.
Take for example the creation of the first light. In Genesis we read:
“God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness.” (Gen. 1:16-18).
Now the moon has no light in itself, no glory of its own, but the moon obeys fully the Creator’s provision, plan, and possibility for it. It stays in its orbit around this earth, near it, yet apart from it, and it receives and faithfully reflects upon this earth that light which it receives from the Sun, the only true source of light. In doing so it does not boast of any personal brilliance, but only of that brilliance which is the Sun’s.
The Creator’s provision, plan, and possibility for us is the same. “You are the light of the world,” said Jesus of His faithful. So, “…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” We shine to glorify our Father…. Our Maker… and Lord.
Paul wrote, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Gal. 6:14).But we cannot boast in… i.e. we cannot glorify… our Lord Jesus Christ unless we bow to the lowest of humilities… unless we “die to self” and “yield to Him”… to His provision, plan, and possibility – His purpose to show in us His Glory.
This is our purpose in this world now, not later in glory. Glory shines its own light… there is no night there (Rev. 21:25, 22:5). The moon cannot be seen in daytime because of the greater brilliance of the Sun. It was made for that time when it is night. Likewise we must exercise ourselves to reflect His Glory now, where it is dark. It is His provision, plan, and possibility for all who will receive Him.
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Cor. 4:4).
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” (2 Pet. 1:5-7).
More tomorrow…
To hear this past Sunday’s message, go to the Facebook page of Lincoln Baptist Church, or link to the livestream from the church website.
thebrokenrunner 