Easter comes early this year (earlier than this generation has seen or will ever see). So, even though March has barely begun, it is already time to begin to ponder and meditate on what the Passover/ Easter season really means.
Separation from God is a fearful thing indeed. Yet, without some atoning work, man will always fruitlessly chase after that which is Holy. How arrogant man is to think he can find fulfillment and happiness in himself! Man was created for relationship with God. Anything less is, as Solomon wrote, "chasing after wind." (Ecclesiates 2:17) Solomon knew better than anyone that no action of man can bring fulfillment; he tried it all. He began with hard work and then acquiring knowledge and then all the pleasures of the physical world. As far as the human eye could see, Solomon had it all: wealth, wisdom, and power. But Solomon looked at everything he had and summariezed his life: "To the man who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness, but to the sinner He gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." (Eccl 2:26)
God spoke through the ancient prophets and sent signs and wonders--including the Passover lamb, but the heart of man is naturally unwilling to let go of the idea that SELF is enough for very long. Pride always has been the downfall of man. So, there is a quandry--continue to chase after the wind of self-actualization or accept the futility of continuing unhappiness. In either case, there is no peace and no fulfillment.
Still, the love of God reached out one final time. Knowing that the vast chasm between seeking man and Holy God is cannot be bridged by sinful and prideful man, He sent the final Passover Lamb: Himself in the form of His Son, Jesus. There is no fulfillment or peace without relationship with God. There is no relationship with God without sacrifice. There is no sacrifice made by man sufficient to restore that broken relationship. But Jesus, God Incarnate, could--and DID--become the final atoning sacrifice for sin, allowing those who seek after God with a broken and contrite heart to come back into relationship with Him. (1 John 2:2, Psalm 51:16-17)
The hardest part about entering fellowship with God is relinquishing self-pride. The reward is so much greater than any human accomplishment, but it can be frightening to give up control of the natural inclinations to self-actualization and self-fulfillment. Even Solomon had difficulty allowing God to direct his steps. He replaced God with women and conquest and political stategy. As a result, his children rebelled and Solomon died with his kingdom on the verge of war, his family divided, and his relationship with God broken. (recorded in both 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles)
In all things, God gives peace to those who rely on Him. To those who recognize Jesus as promised Messiah and atoning sacrifice for sin, joy is complete. Life on this earth is still difficult. There are always tragedies and trials. But to rest in the everlasting arms of Jesus brings peace. It sounds trite and cliche, but it is true. Jesus keeps His promises, and He promised that no matter what the world brings, He gives peace. (John 14: 27, John 16:33)
Peace---that elusive thing all men chase after---is possible, but only in Jesus, the Christ.
1 comment:
Amen, thank God for his gift of life under Jesus blood. It is always a real treat to come across a website in the art world that also boldly speaks about Jesus. I admit I wish I was more bold writing about those things on my own blog. I feel about writing the way Moses felt about speaking. Right now I just mostly share my class and art info w/ a little bit of personal info added in. This being my first year doing this I think it will be a growing process. Thank you for sharing so freely and being an encouragement to me.
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