2 Corinthians 5:21

New International Version (NIV)

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

For Meditation

The old lady was overwhelmed. The generosity of her son was too much to take in public, so she stepped aside and wept. It was a bitter sweet moment for the ninety-year old on her birthday. Finally, she came out to the cheer of her gathered well-wishers. The usual clinging of glasses went around the hall as her son toasted her. He said his mother had been the reason behind his strong drive to succeed. Then it came for the mother to respond and a hush went through the room. She thanked everyone for their show of love, and then turned to her son, thanking him for the honor he had accorded her. “However, none of these things give me the joy I have always desired from you, son. My desire is that you would walk with God in integrity and put a damper on the incessant insults and accusations that fly around you every day. It grieves my heart every time I hear your name in the news. And by the way, son, settle down, marry, and give me a grandchild before I move on to be with the Lord.” That said, she walked away without touching any of the gifts her son had presented to her for her special birthday.

Sometimes, I feel like that is how God feels about us. He has gone to the extent of breaking the body of His only begotten Son to work righteousness for us. Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, was made by God to carry our sins upon Himself on the cross to die to reconcile us to Him (2 Cor. 5:21). Calvary was no mean task. It was painful and lonely; but also purposeful and rewarding. The expectation of God is that believers would carry His name with honor, yet, what He often get is dishonor. He has fashioned out of the furnace of Calvary, a plate of pure gold engraved with a seal: “HOLY TO THE LORD,” fastened to our helmet of salvation (Ex. 28:36-37; Eph. 1:13; 6:17). As priest of the Most High, God expects us to be holy just as He is holy (1 Pt.1:16), for that is the manifestation of becoming “the righteous of God.” Maybe this week, we ought to ask ourselves these questions.

1. Does my life please the Lord Jesus Christ (Rm. 14:17-18)?
2. Do I have the right focus in life (Heb. 12:2)?
3. Is my mindset Christlike (Phil. 2:5-8)?
4. Is my light shining in the home, street, neighborhood, and office God has called me to shine forth His glory (Matt. 5:14-16)?
5. Is God pleased with the offering I bring to Him (Rm. 12:1; 2 Cor.7:12)?

 I pray this heart-search would give us some meaning to our lives in the midst of all the shocks and surprises we are experiencing in the world today.

So: May your life be pleasing to the Lord; and may He delight in your offerings and bless your endeavors in Christ Jesus.

Nothing pleases God than a sacrificed life.

Shalom