…but god… Episode 164
Transcript
“For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps, He who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being abusively insulted, He did not insult in return; while suffering, He did not threaten, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself brought our sins in His body up on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.”
1 Peter 2:21-25 NASB2020
Today we finish 1 Peter 2. One of my favorite parts of scripture is in verse 24 where Peter explains “by His wounds you were healed.” I love this verse because it describes one of the many paradoxes that is the gospel.
The God and King of the Universe stepped down into darkness and became human. He the King was born in a cave for animals. He was born into a poor family, His earthly dad was a carpenter, He became a carpenter. Then He picked a bunch of rag tag misfits as His apostles. He spoke in paradoxical riddles, revealing hidden truths in everything. Turning the establishment upside down. The Israelites thought He was “supposed” to lead a revolution to overthrow the Romans from Israel. Instead he led a revolution of faith and freedom. He was betrayed by one of His own apostles, He was slandered, punched and beaten, He then carried His cross on which He was nailed, where He succumbed to death. Then the ultimate “But God” moment, on the third day rose from the grave to conquer death. He appeared to His disciples on multiple occasions and taught them more. He then ascended into Heaven.
“Healed by wounds”, “saved by grace through faith”, “love our enemies”, “bless and pray for those who persecute you”, “blessed are the weak, meek, poor, downtrodden” all these words are opposite of our human nature, true paradoxes. The only way we can live and follow the paradoxical life of the Gospel of Christ is to draw strength from the Holy Spirit, which is God in us. Therefore, we must ask God to move and work in and through us through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is how we follow our Lord and Savior.
Lord, we thank you for healing us through your wounds and giving us eternal forgiveness and everlasting life through your resurrection. Help us to not rely on our own understanding but to rest in your pleasing and perfect will through the power of the Holy Spirit In Jesus Name Amen…
Shalom, Shalom Blessings and Press in and Press On!
Hosted by Chad McBeam
