John 6:63 (NIV)
63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.
The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984
Last night I was engaged in a conversation with some friends concerning certain conditions with which people are born. Someone used the term "wrong with them" and a bell went off in my brain. I realized that we often determine the difference between 'right' and 'wrong' based on our own understanding, prejudices and preconceived notions. I offered to the group that if we believe in a sovereign God then we must accept that conditions at birth are not accidental. Though we may be unable to perceive God's purpose in this, we can rest assured that it is nevertheless purposeful. I went on to suggest that we place too much emphasis on 'this life' which inhibits our ability to understand God's purposes for the trials and travails people experience as preparation for the next life. That was a very effective conversation killer as everyone withdrew into themselves ostensibly to digest what was said. Imagine my surprise this morning when I received my study verse!
Though we may live in perfect health, enjoy financial success, prestige and power, if we do not have the Spirit within us, we have not life. My friend Jesus spoke to this specifically in
Matthew 16:26 (NIV)
26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
It was not God's intention for us to be zombies or to simply go through the motions of life. He intends for us to have life and The Spirit is the seal of this intention. Having been a zombie myself for the better (worse) part of my life, I personally attest to the resurrecting power of Christ and The Spirit.
In today's study passage, Jesus reminds us that what we experience before The Spirit is not life. Real life, that is living in God's will and according to His purposes is only accomplished by The Spirit. By way of contrast, the flesh counts for nothing. By 'the flesh' I understand that he means 'living according to my desires, appetites, lusts and fleshy pleasures.' Worldly success in the absence of faith is necessarily included. Living 'in the flesh' is the means by which we forfeit our very soul.
Jesus came to give us life and that abundantly. This was accomplished not only by the remission of our sins and the fulfillment of God's promise to send 'The Spirit' but also by every word he spoke. Jesus said that we don't live by bread alone but by every word of God. As much as I like warm bread, straight from the oven I'll take the bread of God's word that is still warm from the oven of our intimacy with God. Returning to my study passage, Jesus confirms that his words are spirit and they are life.
My response to this passage today is to issue a challenge to you. Consider for yourself these question; What if Jesus meant everything he said? Do you lead your life in the Spirit or in the flesh? Do you sup on the word of God or is it just an occasional snack? Do you have life?
In His Grip,
Carl
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1 comment:
Wow! I'm getting hit on all sides with challenges like those found in your questions. This morning our Pastor, at Men's Fraternity, was throwing out challenges to the men in this group as to how we're living for and in Christ. And like you my devotional cried out to me, from the life of Moses, as to how we are taken through a time of wilderness to show us how we can be used by/for God.
Thanks for being one of these voices - from God's Spirit I believe - to kick me in the rear with a foot of truth, driving me in God's direction.
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