Singing
This devotional reflection examines Christ's sacrifice and return, emphasizing how Jesus took our place in judgment and will gather his own when he returns.
Introduction
Through singing and devotional thoughts we reflect on Christ’s return and his sacrifice for us.
The Sacrifice of Jesus
We often talk about the sacrifice of Jesus. We talk about him taking our place. This morning we noticed that Jesus died so that we could live. Maybe what makes this truth so distant is that we haven’t been brought before the court to receive sentencing. Maybe it would make more sense if each one of us had the charges read against us and heard the falling of the gavel as the judge declared “guilty. Sentencing will be in two weeks.” As we waited in our jail cell for the sentencing there would be one truth—in two weeks we would not be declared “not guilty.” The verdict was already in. The jury dismissed. The judgement final. We just haven’t been in the court room and felt it and heard the sounds. Maybe that is why what Jesus did for us is so distant.
Jesus’ Sacrifice shows us that he died for us. May we never forget that Jesus took our place. It is more than just some words. We live because he died.
Salvation and Christ’s Return
Have you ever lost anything, especially something of great importance? It may have been a document, a valued treasure, or something of sentimental value. You remember those times you searched and searched for the object coming closer to realizing that it was lost? Did you get that feeling in the pit of your stomach which comes with dread, fear, and doubt? Do you remember looking for the object and then starting all over again retracing your steps, looking again in drawers which had already been thoroughly gone through hoping that maybe you overlooked the obvious? If the item was particularly important then you may have cried or at least been sad for several days as you kept thinking about the object and kept looking for it.
Once we have given ourselves to Jesus; once we have become God’s children; we never have to worry about Jesus forgetting us or misplacing us. In fact, when he returns, we will gather with him in the air and be with him forever. When Jesus returns he will gather all those who belong to him. He will not have to search every nook and cranny. Those who belong to him will be obvious and none of us who do belong to him will be uncertain about who our Savior is. Let’s keep on looking for Jesus to return. Let’s be expecting him. Let’s live as children of light.
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