What price insulting God?

Romans 15:3. For even Christ didn’t please Himself but, as it is written: ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.’”

“Insults’ comes from the Greek meaning reproach or defamation. Within society if a person has been defamed he or she can go take the matter to court. Should they win, the victim could be awarded substantial monetary damages. In thinking about that, I wondered about the spiritual implications of this. The Creator has been insulted by the pinnacle of His work, you and me, by how we have treated each other and the environment. Atheists are more strident with their rejection of His existence. Add to it, the way we slander His Name, His law, His word, and His Son, Jesus.

One day He will take us to Heaven’s courtroom. Unfortunately for us, He is both the complainant and the Presiding Judge. The verdict is against us. The penalty we can never pay. The charge of insulting, defaming God is only one of many charges against us. In comparison with aspects of our ungodliness belittling the Lord is small, but it must be dealt with. What can we offer in our defence? Nothing. Who would represent us in such a High Court and argue the case for mercy? What is the price to pay?

As the Passover time comes to us again we are made aware of the price of a blasphemous life. This was the charge against Jesus by the High Priest. It was a death sentence. That is what confronted us in the future, an eternal dismissal from the presence of God and eternal life. In the text from Romans quoted above reflect upon this added weight Jesus took to the cross on our behalf. Your verbal, lifestyle and spiritual slander, unbelief, rebellion plus self-righteous mockery of the Almighty fell on the Son. Jesus stepped into your scene, my scene and took all which was in the charge sheets and put His name to it.

The cross of Christ is the most momentous event within time or beyond time. What the Son of God, the Son of Man took upon Himself as our personal representative can never be fully understood. What we can understand and take to heart is the fact, He did it. So, what was achieved on our behalf? That depends upon two things. One, did Jesus survive the death penalty? Two, how have you responded to what our representative and substitute endured and achieved? The answer to number one is ‘He is risen!’ The answer to number two requires yours and my faith conviction that He is risen! He is my Saviour! He is my Lord! He is the Son of God and my Advocate. Now, when I stand before my Lord at the Judgement seat I have my Advocate beside me. His words would be, on my behalf and your ‘The charges against this person have been fully paid – by Me!’

To stand alone before the Father in the courtroom of Heaven is to have no advocate, no answer to the charges, no possible way to pay the damage bill, no hope of mercy.

Christ Jesus and the cross offer peace, forgiveness, hope and a new beginning with eternity in it. Over this Passover and Eastertime may you be once again captured by Calvary!

           

©Ray Hawkins. Author of ‘Captured by Calvary’ and other 31 day Devotional Meditations.

http://rayhawkinsauthor.blogspot.com.au

His new Devotional ‘The Warrior Lord’s Sword’ is being released in  April.

Book Review - Comforts from the Cross: Celebrating the Gospel One Day at a Time by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick

Review by Ian Acheson

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

Blurb

Many women don’t always find solace in their relationship with Christ because they don’t see how his life, death, and resurrection connect with daily pressures and frustrations. 

Comforts from the Cross provides bite-sized readings to remind women of their place in Christ and of his love in the midst of their busy lives. Elyse Fitzpatrick shows how gospel truths such as justification, sanctification, and redemption can refresh women’s souls every day. These five-minute celebrations of the gospel relieve readers of legalistic condemnation and empower them for joyful obedience.

Great for gift-giving or personal encouragement, Fitzpatrick’s book will help busy women grasp the comforts of the gospel message. Now redesigned.  

My Review

This is one of the best devotionals, if not the best, that I've worked through. I so love how Ms Fitzpatrick draws the state of our hearts with all its muck and helps us let it go by guiding us with practical teaching to the heart of Jesus.

This is a 31-day devotional designed to be read over the course of a month. I've now read it twice and plan to start it again soon. Each devotional is three to four pages in length so is meatier than the typical one page per day of most other devotionals I've read. She starts with a verse of Scripture that provides the context for her lesson. Many days, not all, conclude with a powerful prayer that enables you to walk away having handed over the contents of your heart to the Lord.

There are so many excellent lessons but Day 29 on prayer is worth the purchase price alone. I found I was highlighting much of the ebook and making notes in my journal. Ms Fitzpatrick brought new life to verses that I've read hundreds of times. For example, the vine, branches and abiding of John 15:4-5 she encourages us to consider that it's not about what we should do rather simply to receive the goodness and godliness that comes from intimacy with Jesus. (Day 20)

The essence of each devotional is to bring us back to Jesus, to see His great love for us, and to enable us to keep looking at Him throughout the day. Focusing on His attributes, what He's done rather than what we do, and allowing ourselves to receive all that He's done.

As indicated in the blurb it’s written for women but I believe it is just as valuable for men.

Ian Acheson is an author and strategy consultant based in Northern Sydney. Ian's first novel of speculative fiction, Angelguard, is now available in the US, UK, Canada and Australia. You can find more about Angelguard at Ian's website, on his author Facebook page and Twitter