“Are they servants of Christ? – I speak as if insane – I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes” (2 Corinthians 11:23-24).
We sometimes forget the price paid in order that we might have the Gospel. People would rather pontificate and carry on as if it were a cheap nothing that we are talking about. What we have been given through the Gospel of Jesus Christ is of more worth than life itself, for He has come to unite us with Him now and forever. What does it take to reach your soul?
Lord, help me take seriously the reality You are sharing with me. Let me not look at things in an economic way, bartering this for that, or who did what and which was greater. Help me learn how to see things in relational terms that I would live loving You Lord and my neighbor as You have commanded. Guide me in Your goodness to come into this place forever.
Lord Jesus, You suffered death on the cross bearing all of our sins. No one can begin to imagine the suffering. Help me to see, to the best of my ability, the cost, that I would never take for granted all that has been done so that I may have faith. Lead me, O Lord, in the way You know I need to go and grant the seriousness I need to arrive where You intend. Amen.
