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Offender Believes, a Pardon Receives

The vilest offender who truly believes

O perfect redemption the purchase of blood
To every believer the promise of God
The vilest offender who truly believes
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives

To God Be the Glory 1875
By: Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)

Listen to this modern version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below. 

Below is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!! We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this hymn of praise which serves as an encouragement and call to worship prepare to respond and give Him glory. Let’s think about this.

Offender Believes

What exactly does belief look like? What are the conditions that must be met in order to enact it? Do we need time in order to demonstrate our faith is sincere?

Honest questions that deserve at least an attempt at answer.

If we consider the their on the cross as our model we can try to offer a response to these queries. Belief seems to be as simple as acknowledging the authority of Jesus. the thief verbalizes his belief, but Jesus knows the hearts of all, so it would not need to be spoken to be known. Apparently we do not need time to demonstrate our faith, only the sincerity of offering it.

Something about this offends our sensibility. How can someone be pardoned in the midst of receiving their punishment? He was guilty so how can be possibility be absolved? The difference is man’s justice versus God’s judgment. Because God is the One doling it out, He gets to set the conditions. That is a good thing for us.

The vilest offender who truly believes

And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Luke 23:42 ESV

The vilest offender? Who comes to mind? Probably not the thief on the cross, but he will certainly provide us with a great case study. He demonstrates His true belief, acknowledging Jesus as King and asking simply to be remembered. What might you have asked hanging there?

The great apostle Paul saw himself as the chief of sinners. We must be willing to humble ourselves and admit that in comparison to God, there are only gradients of difference between us and the vilest offender. Even still, we all have access to pardon if we will simply believe.

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about your offenses. It is good for you that Jesus made a way for you o believe. Pray the simple prayer, “Lord, forgive my many offenses.“

Pardon Receives

That moment from Jesus a pardon receives

This seems to go against all sense of fairness. How can this man who is hanging there a criminal be pardoned moments before His death? Though something about this simply does not seem fair, when we think about it that is actually something we should be very happy about, not upset. It may seem like “easy believism”, but the truth is Jesus has already done all the hard work. For the thief’s benefit, and ours, He was finishing it up even then.

Not only does he receive pardon, but he does so in the moment of belief. He does not have to wonder if he has believed enough, or done enough. Jesus reassures him that pardon is his.

That moment from Jesus a pardon receives

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43 ESV

What a promise! There on the cross, in that moment of belief Jesus offers the thief a pardon. The guilty one accepted the punishment of the cross for the wrongs He had done. He did not ask to be spared, only to be remembered. Jesus promises an inheritance to the believing thief. Good news!

When we believe we do not have to wait for pardon. It comes immediately for it has already been promised and purchased. Our belief allows God to apply it to our lives, and to do so liberally. Have you confessed your faith in Jesus? Do it today, for the first time or again.

RESONATE!

Take a few moments and consider in what you are believing. Your trust will reveal where your faith truly is. Are you resting in Jesus, or Jesus and something else. Pray this simple prayer, “Jesus, my faith is in You alone.“

Jesus, thank You for making pardon available to me the moment I believe. I do not deserve such grace but I receive it gladly. Even though my offenses are many You forgive them all. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Humbled Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Podcast 41.2 Transcript

Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.

O perfect redemption the purchase of blood

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7 ESV

SImply put, our redemption has been purchased with the blood of Jesus. Our sins had separated us from God and we had no way back. That is until Christ offered His life to pay from our trepasses, all the ways we had violated the law of God. GIve Him glory!

To every believer the promise of God

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV

Every believer. What a powerful, all-inclusive statement! Redemption is available to everyone who believes. And look at this short list of things that come with it: courage, strength, help, and support from none other than God Himself. Put your trust in Him today and believe.

The vilest offender who truly believes

And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Luke 23:42 ESV

The vilest offender? Who comes to mind? Probably not the thief on the cross, but he will certainly provide us with a great case study. He demonstrates His true belief, acknowledging Jesus as King and asking simply to be remembered. What might you have asked hanging there?

That moment from Jesus a pardon receives

And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43 ESV

What a promise! There on the cross, in that moment of belief Jesus offers the thief a pardon. He accepted the punishment of the cross for the wrongs He had done. He did not ask to be spared, only to be remembered. Jesus promises an inheritance to the believing thief. Good news!

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the refrain.

Praise the Lord praise the Lord Let the earth hear His voice
Praise the Lord praise the Lord Let the people rejoice
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son
And give Him the glory great things He has done

Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time,
Be Resonant.

The post Offender Believes, a Pardon Receives appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
The vilest offender who truly believes – https://www.inspiredwalk.com/1982/lessons-from-the-thief-on-the-cross
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives – https://sites.duke.edu/lawfire/2019/05/19/the-behenna-pardon-some-answers-and-much-more/

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Promise Kept Through Shed Blood

O perfect redemption the purchase of blood

O perfect redemption the purchase of blood
To every believer the promise of God
The vilest offender who truly believes
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives

To God Be the Glory 1875
By: Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)

Listen to this modern version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this hymn of praise which serves as an encouragement and call to worship prepare to respond and give Him glory. Let’s tune our hearts.

Blood Shed

He showered us with grace. How?

By forgiving our trespasses. How?

By shedding His blood. Without the shedding of blood there is not remission of sin.  When Jesus willing shed His bold for us it changed everything.

O perfect redemption the purchase of blood

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7 ESV

Simply put, our redemption has been purchased with the blood of Jesus. Our sins had separated us from God and we had no way back. That is until Christ offered His life to pay from our trepasses, all the ways we had violated the law of God. Give Him glory!

This stanza continues the rationale for giving God glory which began in the first. Here we consider a bit more explicitly the impact that the atonement has. It purchased a redemption for us that is perfect, like the One who offered His blood for it. Thank Jesus for offering His blood.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider the price Jesus paid for your redemption. Though perfect He willingly shed His blood to purchase your redemption. Make this your simple prayer “Jesus, thank You for offering Your blood.” 

Promise Kept

To every believer the promise of God

The only way God could keep His promise was to make a way for redemption to occur for every one who would believe. The only way to offer redemption was the shedding of blood. The only way to access that is to believe.

To every believer the promise of God

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV

Every believer. What a powerful, all-inclusive statement! Redemption is available to everyone who believes. And look at this short list of things that come with it: courage, strength, help, and support from none other than God Himself. Put your trust in Him today and believe.

Believing in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone to make us right with the Father gives us access to this incredible promise. We tend to complicate this simple transaction, adding rules and regulations. We need only to believe. That faith allows us to begin to walk in the promise.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and consider the promise of God. You access it by believing. Will you believe today? Pray a simple prayer like this one, “Spirit, help me to believe God’s promise.”  

Jesus, thank You for granting me access to your promises and then giving me the faith to believe. I had no hope of getting back to You until you made the way through Your blood.  So I give You praise. In Jesus’ name. 

Faith-filled Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 41.2 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

O perfect redemption the purchase of blood
To every believer the promise of God
The vilest offender who truly believes
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives

This stanza continues the rationale for giving God glory which began in the first. Here we consider a bit more explicitly the impact that the atonement has. It purchased a redemption for us that is perfect, like the One who offered His blood for it. Thank Jesus for offering His blood.

Jesus, thank You for offering Your blood.

Believing in the finished work of Jesus Christ alone to make us right with the Father gives us access to this incredible promise. We tend to complicate this simple transaction, adding rules and regulations. We need only to believe. That faith allows us to begin to walk in the promise.

Spirit, help me to believe God’s promise.

The great apostle Paul saw himself as the chief of sinners. We must be willing to humble ourselves and admit that in comparison to God, there are only gradients of difference between us and the vilest offender. Even still, we all have access to pardon if we will simply believe.

Lord, forgive my many offenses.

When we believe we do not have to wait for pardon. It comes immediately for it has already been promised and purchased. Our belief allows God to apply it to our lives, and to do so liberally. Have you confessed your faith in Jesus? Do it today, for the first time or again.

Jesus, my faith is in You alone.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Praise the Lord praise the Lord Let the earth hear His voice
Praise the Lord praise the Lord Let the people rejoice
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son
And give Him the glory great things He has done

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Promise Kept Through Shed Blood appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
O perfect redemption the purchase of blood – https://pixabay.com/illustrations/blood-a-drop-of-red-droplet-297828/
To every believer the promise of God – https://pixabay.com/photos/people-man-sitting-alone-reading-2596890/

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Great Reasons to Give Him Glory, Part 2

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin

To God be the glory great things He has done
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin
And opened the life gate that all may go in

To God Be the Glory 1875
By: Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)

Listen to this modern version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below. 

Below is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!! We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this hymn of praise which serves as an encouragement and call to worship prepare to respond and give Him glory. Let’s think about this.

Life Yielded

Here is another great reason to glorify God: His willingness to be nailed to a cross.

Who wants to be nailed to a cross? Nobody, right? But that did not stop Jesus from going there.

When Jesus yielded His life it was for a very specific reason. It was only sacrifice that could make atonement for our sins. His perfect life was the only one that could pay for our sins, all of our sins.

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin

…he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2 NRSV

Atonement means we are made “at-one” with God again. When Jesus yielded His life as a sacrifice for our sins, that is what He accomplished: atonement. He did this for us, the whole world. Give Him praise for restoring your relationship to God through His sacrifice.

Jesus yielded His life so we who were separated from God by our sin could be made one with Him again. That is what Christ’s atoning sacrifice accomplishes: it makes us one with God again. Give praise to Jesus for making the miracle of atonement possible for us.

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about Jesus yielding His life. His willingness to surrender to the Father’s will, even to the point of death, evokes praise from every willing heart. Pray the simple prayer, “Jesus, thank You for Your atoning sacrifice.“

Gate Opened

And opened the life gate that all may go in

The yielding on His life evokes our praise, but when we realize the impact that surrender had we are compelled to worship Him. We were dead in our trespasses but Jesus opened up the gate so we are trespassing no more. Instead we are welcomed to pass from death to life.

And opened the life gate that all may go in

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:13-14 ESV

Christ made a way for all to go in. Though all may go in, not all will. Thank the Lord for making a way for you to enter the gate and find life. Then commit yourself again to helping others come to and enter the narrow gate that is Jesus Christ.

The life gate has been opened through His atoning sacrifice. The gate to destruction is wide and the road is easy, but Christ has made a better way so that none would perish. Unfortunately, many never find the gate and the way Jesus has made. Help as many as you can.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and give glory to God for the difference His sacrifice made. Be careful not to keep that to yourself. Pray this simple prayer, but only when you are ready for it to be answered. “Lord, help me help others find Your gate.“

Jesus, thank You for yielding Your life. If there is a reason to give You glory this is it. This one act of surrender changed everything. Help me live a grateful response every day. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Grateful Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Podcast 41.1 Transcript

Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.

To God be the glory great things He has done

..our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations,  “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Psalm 126:2-3 ESV

We echo the words of the Psalmist. The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad! When was the last time those words left your lips, when you were somewhere other than church and not signing a song? Today? Last week? Last month? We should be quick to give Him glory.

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV

Nothing should prompt our praise more than the recollection of this simple fact: God loved us so much that He gave us His Son. He loves His Son, and yet He gave Him to us to demonstrate HIs love for us. Think about that for a moment and then give Him praise for many.

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin

…he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2 NRSV

Atonement means we are made “at-one” with God again. When Jesus yielded His life as a sacrifice for our sins, that is what He accomplished: atonement. He did this for us, the whole world. Give Him praise for restoring your relationship to God through His sacrifice.

And opened the life gate that all may go in

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:13-14 ESV

Christ made a way for all to go in. Though all may go in, not all will. Thank the Lord for making a way for you to enter the gate and find life. Then commit yourself again to helping others come to and enter the narrow gate that is Jesus Christ.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read the Refrain.

Praise the Lord praise the Lord Let the earth hear His voice
Praise the Lord praise the Lord Let the people rejoice
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son
And give Him the glory great things He has done

Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time,Be Resonant.

The post Great Reasons to Give Him Glory, Part 2 appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin – https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/crucifixion-of-jesus-bible-story.html
And opened the life gate that all may go in – https://pixabay.com/photos/gate-field-fence-grass-green-419890/

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Great Reasons to Give Him Glory, Part 1

To God Be the Glory Great Things He Hath Done

To God be the glory great things He has done
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin
And opened the life gate that all may go in

To God Be the Glory 1875
By: Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)

Listen to this modern version of this hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we begin our journey through this hymn of praise which serves as an encouragement and call to worship prepare to respond and give Him glory. Let’s tune our hearts.

Creation

One does not have to look very far to see evidence of the great work God has done. Especially this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere when life is springing up everywhere. Stop and consider the handiwork of God in His creation, then give Him praise for it.

To God be the glory great things He has done

..our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations,  “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Psalm 126:2-3 ESV

We echo the words of the Psalmist. The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad! When was the last time those words left your lips, when you were somewhere other than church and not signing a song? Today? Last week? Last month? We should be quick to give Him glory.

Yes He is worthy of glory for the great things He has done. The writer is issuing a call to worship. The question then becomes how will you respond to that call. Will you join it and echo it for all you have ears to hear or will you say a quiet “Amen” and keep it to yourself?

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and give God glory for the great things He has done, particularly in creation. Tell Him you want to be faithful to give Him the glory He deserves. Make this your simple prayer “Jesus, help me join and echo the call to worship.” 

Re-creation

So Loved He the World That He Gave Us His Son

Not to be mistaken for “recreation”, re-creation is the work God does in restoring creation back to the status before the Fall. The only way He can do this is by dealing with sin. He chose to do that by sending His Son.

While we will look deeper into exactly how He accomplished that work in the second part of the hymn text on Thursday, let’s simply focus on the act of sending His Son. So often, we see the baby in the manger and we fail to connect that gift at Christmas with the finished work of Easter. He loved us so much that He was not willing to leave us in the state our sin had created. Instead, He chose to re-create us by dealing with our sin.

Enter Jesus…

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV

Nothing should prompt our praise more than the recollection of this simple fact: God loved us so much that He gave us His Son. He loves His Son, and yet He gave Him to us to demonstrate HIs love for us. Think about that for a moment and then give Him praise for many.

We issue the call to worship because we want everyone to know that He gave us His Son as the most extravagant expression of His love for us. Many have heard the words of John 3:16 but only the Holy Spirit can bring glory from the one who accepts the truth of it.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and consider how God work or re-creating in you should prompt your praise. If it were not for the sending of His Son that would not even be possible. Pray a simple prayer like this one, “Spirit, thank You for revealing Jesus to me.”  

Jesus, thank You for making a way for me to be re-created. It prompts my praise like nothing else could. Help me give You glory every day. In Jesus’ name. 

Re-created Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 41.1 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

To God be the glory great things He has done
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin
And opened the life gate that all may go in

Yes He is worthy of glory for the great things He has done. The writer is issuing a call to worship. The question then becomes how will you respond to that call. Will you join it and echo it for all you have ears to hear or will you say a quiet “Amen” and keep it to yourself?

Jesus, help me join and echo the call to worship.

We issue the call to worship because we want everyone to know that He gave us His Son as the most extravagant expression of His love for us. Many have heard the words of John 3:16 but only the Holy Spirit can bring glory from the one who accepts the truth of it.

Spirit, thank You for revealing Jesus to me.

Jesus yielded His life so we who were separated from God by our sin could be made one with Him again. That is what Christ’s atoning sacrifice accomplishes: it makes us one with God again. Give praise to Jesus for making the miracle of atonement possible for us.

Jesus, thank You for Your atoning sacrifice.

The life gate has been opened through His atoning sacrifice. The gate to destruction is wide and the road is easy, but Christ has made a better way so that none would perish. Unfortunately, many never find the gate and the way Jesus has made. Help as many as you can. 

Lord, help me help others find Your gate.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Sing

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time,Be Resonant.

The post Great Reasons to Give Him Glory, Part 1 appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
To God be the glory great things He has done – https://www.godtube.com/popular-hymns/to-god-be-the-glory/
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son – https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=879173065484137&substory_index=0&id=537360552998725&_rdr

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Like Him? Like Him! REPOST

Exalted Head

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
  Foll’wing our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
  Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Christ the Lord is Risen Today
By: Charles Wesley, 1707-1778

Listen as you read.  This is a nice instrumental ambient version.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Please enjoy this podcast and the transcript below.

On Tuesday we tuned our hearts with the wonder of what is in store for us one day we soar into the skies to join our Resurrected King!  Today we are going to think again about how He accomplished that, and what the implications of that are for us.  Glad you could join us as we ponder these things.

Exalted Head

When we go soaring on high we will do so by following our “exalted head”.  There are a number of things that come to mind with these words.  The first to ponder I believe is what does it mean by saying Christ is our head.  Next how exactly He earned that exalted position.  Finally, how we will follow.

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. Colossians 1:18 ESV 

Jesus was the firstborn from among the dead, but many more will follow His lead.  Those who will follow are His church, His blood-bought bride. They are the ones who are trusting Christ’s work to make us right with the Father.  He is our Head, and we His body will follow Him, just like every body follows wherever its head goes.  He has ascended to the Father, and so shall we.

But that right to ascend was not easily acquired, even though He had willingly and voluntarily laid down His glory to become one of us and perfectly obey the Father.  When I think of Christ as head, my mind often goes to this translation of an old German hymn.  It alludes to the glory He had laid down to walk among us, “once…bright as morn!”

O Sacred Head

O sacred Head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down,
now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, thine only crown:
how pale thou art with anguish,
with sore abuse and scorn!
How does that visage languish
which once was bright as morn!
Anonymous

That self-sacrifice not only paved the way for Christ’s exaltation, but shows us our path to follow as well.  We must be willing to lay down our lives and take up our cross just like Jesus. This is what it means to follow our exalted Head.  Though we will not be offered as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, we must follow His example to deny our selves that we may fully pursue the path our Father has marked out for us.

Like Him

When there is repetition in any form of literature the author is always emphasizing something.   It is a very deliberate choice to repeat the words “like Him” in this line.  “Made like Him, like Him we rise.”  Colossians 3:1, 4 puts it like this.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God…When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Made Like Him

Since we have been made like Him in His resurrection, we will rise as He did, not only from the dead, but also on high to join Him in glory.  As the last line says, “Our the cross, the grave, the skies”.  We are made like Him so when He appears we will appear with Him in glory.  What an incredible promise!  But with it comes an exhortation to “seek the things that are above”.

So often we get mired in daily living, the rudiments of our earthly existence, that we forget we have something coming that far surpasses the best of these days.  We must daily remind ourselves to “seek the things that are above”.  How do we do that?  By setting on mind on them, and allowing the reality of them to shape not only our thoughts but our behavior as well.

Reflect on the fact that you are made like Him, but acknowledge you would like to be more even more like Him.  Then ask Jesus to show you today how you can practice that.

Jesus, thank You for making me like You.  I know that I am a work in progress, but I welcome Your transforming power into my life today.  Show me how I can be more like you today, even as I long to “appear with you in glory” one day.  In Jesus name.   Amen.

Deliberate Thinking!

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Subscribers enjoy this podcast! Everyone else, the transcript below.

Podcast 40.4 Transcript (5.4 Replayed)

Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!

And when (Jesus)  had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. Acts 1:9 ESV

This account is from the Ascension of Christ, when He was taken up into glory.  After His resurrection Jesus appeared to His disciples many times, but this was the final time.  He led the way and one day we will join Him.  What if were today? Are you ready? 

  Foll’wing our exalted Head, Alleluia!

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. Colossians 1:18 ESV

He was the firstborn from among the dead, but many more will follow.  Who are they?  His church, His blood-bought bride.  All who are trusting Christ’s work to make us right with the Father.  He is our Head, and we His body will follow Him.  Are you following Him today?

Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God…When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1, 4 ESV

Our having been raised with Christ, enables us to be made like Him in resurrection glory.  Being made like Him ensures that we will appear with Him in glory.  The wonders that await us are beyond comprehension.  Thank Him for making you like Him.  

  Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 ESV

So let’s keep our eyes on Jesus.  That makes it much easier to follow Him, and since we want the skies, like Him, we must take up our cross and die to ourselves, so we can live for Him.  Ask Him to help you take up your cross today and die to sin.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more.

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
  Foll’wing our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
  Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time,Be Resonant.

The post Like Him? Like Him! REPOST appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attributions
Exalted Head – https://gfycat.com/speedyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5QgWH5GY1Uweakchrysalis
O Sacred Head – https://www.pinterest.com/pin/326370304240768829/?lp=true
Made Like Him – https://gfycat.com/speedyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/easter/three-reasons-the-resurrection-is-important-today.html

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