More and More Like Jesus
Romans 8:28,29 We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. These are the people God chose, because that was his plan. God knew them before he made the world. And he decided that they would be like his Son. Then Jesus would be the firstborn of many brothers and sisters.
So how do you turn a truth – even a biblical truth – into a lie? Easy! You cut it in half or quote it out of context – or preferably both. Just look at the devil. The father of lies has turned it into an art form.
Here’s a case in point:
Romans 8:28 We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. These are the people God chose, because that was his plan.
Hallelujah, praise the Lord, it’s all going to turn out just fine. Zippedy-doodah! Sounds great … until you read the next verse:
Romans 8:29 God knew them before he made the world. And he decided that they would be like his Son. Then Jesus would be the firstborn of many brothers and sisters.
God decided what? That we should be like His Son; that bloodied, brutalised Saviour who hung lifeless on that Cross.
So the trials that we go through in life, far from taking us toward our personal goals of comfort and success, are meant to make us more and more like Jesus.
The crucifixion always comes before the resurrection. That’s going to hurt, because the good that God is working towards in your life and mine – through all those ups and downs, twists and turns that cause us such great anguish – has a much higher purpose.
As someone else once said: I’ve found that trying to become more like Jesus yields far better results than trying to become a better me.
God chose you before time began. And He’ll work His good for you and for His kingdom in you and through you, through every trial you face. The objective?
To make you more and more like Jesus.
That’s His Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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