January 2nd, 2021
Text: Galatians 2:20
…it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing. (NRSV)
What does it me to be crucified with Christ? What does it mean that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me?
One thing it must mean is that my perspective has shifted from one that is centered on me to one that is centered on others. That really is one thing we can be certain about Jesus. Jesus was never focused on what was in it for him and always focused on what was in it for others.
Think about it. In the Gospel of John, we are told that everything was created through Jesus. The “other” only exists because of Jesus. Then, in Philippians, we are told that Jesus did not consider his divinity to be something to be held on to but, gave it up to come into his creation to save it. Jesus gave up his divine power to become like his beloved “other” in order that this “other” might be rescued from sin.
Jesus gives us the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son (the prodigal son) in order to emphasize just how important the “other” is to the Godhead who created the “other” for love.
And, of course, we know that Jesus then suffered and died on the cross because of his amazing love for the “other”. It is clear that what is important to Jesus is the welfare of others. Jesus wants the “other” to experience the grace, love, peace, joy, and forgiveness that brings them light and life.
Have you been crucified with Christ? Is it no longer you who live, but Jesus Christ who lives in you?
Pray with me:
God of love and grace, fill me with your Holy Spirit so that Jesus may live in me and that I might live out the love of Jesus for others in my life! AMEN.
…it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing. (NRSV)
What does it me to be crucified with Christ? What does it mean that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me?
One thing it must mean is that my perspective has shifted from one that is centered on me to one that is centered on others. That really is one thing we can be certain about Jesus. Jesus was never focused on what was in it for him and always focused on what was in it for others.
Think about it. In the Gospel of John, we are told that everything was created through Jesus. The “other” only exists because of Jesus. Then, in Philippians, we are told that Jesus did not consider his divinity to be something to be held on to but, gave it up to come into his creation to save it. Jesus gave up his divine power to become like his beloved “other” in order that this “other” might be rescued from sin.
Jesus gives us the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son (the prodigal son) in order to emphasize just how important the “other” is to the Godhead who created the “other” for love.
And, of course, we know that Jesus then suffered and died on the cross because of his amazing love for the “other”. It is clear that what is important to Jesus is the welfare of others. Jesus wants the “other” to experience the grace, love, peace, joy, and forgiveness that brings them light and life.
Have you been crucified with Christ? Is it no longer you who live, but Jesus Christ who lives in you?
Pray with me:
God of love and grace, fill me with your Holy Spirit so that Jesus may live in me and that I might live out the love of Jesus for others in my life! AMEN.
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