The Love We Have Received
We have entered and are moving through the fifth week of Lentin. How are you doing, child of God, with that which you have fasted from in this season of Lent? Are you (in the fast) drawing closer to the Lord? Do you (in this season of fasting) find yourself striving to be more like Jesus? As we walk toward the most holy week, that of Passover and that which leads to the crucifixion and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ—Does the masterpiece of the cross still move us?
In the last Old Testament book, before the 400 years of silence, before the birth of Christ, and before Jesus came to make the way to know Him, the prophet Malachi wrote:
“The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi.
(The Book of Malachi 1: 1-2a NASB)
“I have loved you, says the LORD. . . .”
Are you imperfect?
Draw near to the LORD.
Are you busy?
Draw near to the LORD.
Are you weary or distant?
Draw near to the LORD.
Do you feel unloved or forgotten?
Draw near to the LORD.
Are you confused by the mercy and grace of Christ Jesus?
Draw near to the LORD.
The LORD does not desire that we live unloved, away from Him, over—There. No, He wants us—Here with Him.
“I have loved you, says the LORD. . . .” (The Book of Malachi 1: 2a NASB)
Do not go another day long without breathing in this truth. Plant your flag right in this spot. Stand under this banner of faith. “I have loved you, says the LORD. . . .” (The Book of Malachi 1: 2a NASB)
Draw near. Linger. Pause. Savor this Truth.
The apostle Paul wrote these words to the believers living in Rome:
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
(The Letter of Paul to the Romans 5: 8 NASB)
So, I ask again—Does the masterpiece of the cross still move us?
Are you excitedly preparing your heart this season of Lent in preparation for the celebration that is to come on Resurrection Sunday? Do you read the Bible, listen each week to a preacher’s sermon in order to be informed, or are you reading, listening, and learning because you are a true disciple of the Master Teacher? Do you long to be transformed into His likeness, His image? Are you seeking to study His Word to be CHRIST-like or to just be clever? Did the Lord Jesus Christ call you to follow Him? Did Christ save your soul and place His Spirit within you? Does the Spirit of God make you aware each day of your sin and of the Savior’s Amazing Grace? Have you been purchased by the blood of Christ?
If so, then how are you living—differently—from your earthly family members, co-workers, and friends who do not know Christ Jesus as Savior?
If so, what then are you doing with the knowledge of your salvation?
As a believer in Christ, what makes you—stand separate—from the millions, if not billions of others who have rejected Christ?
Jesus spoke these words to His followers:
“You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.
(The Gospel of John 15: 16-17 NASB)
This I command you, that you love one another.”
For a long time, Satan had his way to ensure the gospel message did not reach those who were lost, but we serve a God who makes the impossible—POSSIBLE.
Look around where God has you. See those who surround you daily. Eat with them. Sit beside them. Talk with them. Invite them to your home, to your table. Share the gospel in a way that they can understand. Become excited, brother and sister-in-Christ, for Resurrection Sunday is coming. Invite those you have made relationship with to come sit beside you in church. Invite them to the opportunity to hear the Word of God proclaimed. Become excited, child of God, for Jesus is Coming—Again.
Be down on your knees praying for those by name who you know are lost, who are openly rejecting Jesus. Pray and Pray and Pray, and do not ever stop, for Jesus reminds us daily—
“I have loved you, says the LORD. . . .” (The Book of Malachi 1: 2a NASB)