Today I was helping my father move. In the processes we were driving across farming country and in the distance I could see to jet fighters flying with huge billowy clouds as the background. I was instantly struck with the thought: God has placed us in this world to exercise dominion and enjoy His creation. I could imagine the pilot of the plane overjoyed with the experience of flying, looking up at God saying, “Look at me daddy. See what I can do” anticipating God’s reply “Good job son. I am so proud of you.” Tears began to fill my eyes as I watched those beautiful planes soar through the sky. What amazing things man can do. What amazing joys the Lord has shared with us.
But we are like the spoiled child, only concerned about getting what he wants, who yanks the gift out of grandma’s hand caring nothing about the giver of the gift. We have turned from sharing in the Joys of life with God to seeing those joys as an end in themselves. We no longer worship the One who blesses but rather worship the blessing.
It is only through Jesus Christ that this relationship can be restored. You see, Jesus suffered the wrath of hell in our place. The punishment our evil deeds deserved was poured out on Jesus and by faith we are credited with the perfect life that Jesus lived. This is the great exchange. Jesus dies in our place and we receive His perfect righteousness so that God sees us as perfect. Jesus was treated as if he committed every sin we did and we are treated as if we lived the perfect life that Jesus did. It is in this restored relationship we can say “Look at me daddy. Aren’t you proud of me?” And know that God says, “Yes son. Good job. I am so proud of you.” |
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