I was studying in Job this morning…and I was taken to the passage in 1 Corinthians 3…
Paul was explaining to us how our body is the temple in which the Holy Spirit of God dwells when we receive Jesus… and the Lord will destroy those who destroy His temple. He then went on to write …
“Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;
Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.”
And it was so striking to me
…the words…
Every. word.
“Whether…
Paul.
Apollos.
Cephas.
The World.
Our Life.
Our Death.
Things present.
Things to come.
ALL. ARE. YOURS.
Ye are Christ’s.
Christ is Gods.”
Peace fell over my entire being.
Our humanness, whether in greatness or in frailty.
Every single part of our life is Gods.
Everything. From the toast with Kerry gold butter on my plate-to the wrinkles that trace across my forehead.
The hairs…falling from my head daily- that I’m strained over-he is counting and recounting every time one falls to the ground- because every single strand is His.
I just sat back in my chair and breathed
Deep…
I could pore over this passage my whole life long. And forever again.
An old painting came to
mind so I went searching to find it.
Digging into an old box, I wiped the dust from the cover and opened to this photo that
I taken of this piece from 18 years ago with mamas 35mm. I had it developed and placed it in my fresh new portfolio…because we didn’t have IG or FB back then. Just “My Space”.
(Laughing to myself writing this, thinking-as my oldest daughter has said,
“That is Back from the 1900’s mom!”
Which I Yelp, “What!?” With my big eyeballs!)
This painting was a commission for a friends Sunday school class…and today I was drawn to bring it back to life.
I modified and added my love for the light- the burning flame that for me represents Christ’s presence- as well as the burning away of all that is old…
A finite representation of this dwelling place-this Holy habitation-where the Spirit of Promise, the Lord of the Sabbath chooses to
Dwell…in us. With us. Our Emmanuel.
He says, I will be with you always, even to the end of the age…
I’ve been grasping for comfort for months- praying and seeking godly counsel, reading everything as time permits … but nothing has taken the place of this fresh word from Jesus-today. His written word.
You know, he says, obedience is better than sacrifice- and I see it today-amidst all
Of my drive to abide.
Jesus, has been whispering to me, “Go back to Job.”
And I’ve found every reason not to…failing to realize, it was in this place of simple
obedience, where he wanted me to find rest. THE rest I’ve been BEGGING FOR-
It was right here. All along.
Soaking in Job, which through searching, He set my gaze to Corinthians.
His heart of long suffering for us knows no end…doesn’t He say, you will
find me- when you search for me with all your heart?
Thank you Jesus for meeting me in all that is yours today-my bath robe and wrecked hair-on the front lawn under your crepe myrtle tree.
“How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss –
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart –
His wounds have paid my ransom.”
~Stuart Townend