2 Corinthians 5:16-21
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: That God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (NIV)
As I write this devotion, it is the day after a Sunday when music was celebrated from the pulpit. The beautiful sounds that come from our choirs, soloists and musicians at Southwood are legendary. We are blessed, given gifts from God to bring us closer to Him and to help open our eyes and see what we can do to bring understanding to others through the gifts He has given us. To think He gave His son to sin to release us from our own sin so that we may be united with Him forever is beyond my comprehension, but oh how I strive to understand and appreciate that sacrifice!
As a mom, completely immersed in my children, I can only begin to imagine the gravity of that sacrifice. He gave me these children, these precious beings, so that I might help them go out into the world and strive to make it a better place, a more welcoming environment, to show the way back to Him for eternity. Some gifts are more overt than others. I do believe that Hannah can bring the joy of celebration with Him when she belts out a glorious, devout hymn during a church service. I am totally aware that this gift given to her helps pull others closer to joy with Him. (I am also sure that her gift comes from Him, she didn't get those pipes from me! But oh what a gift to me she is!)
In this season of gift giving and time shared with others, let us never forget that His gifts to us are the most selfless, most precious, most wonderful, most joyful way for us to join with others to understand and find our way back to Him.
Questions for Reflection:
- Do we recognize the gifts we have been given from God?
- Do we strive every day to appreciate those gifts and use them in ways that may help bring others to Him?
Prayer:
Thank you, Jesus, for coming to save us and bring us to Him for eternity. Help open our eyes to appreciate Your sacrifice and to use our gifts to their fullest for your eternal kingdom. All praise and honor to You forever! Amen
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