May
26
Not Peaceful
Filed Under Devotional
Yesterday, I discussed how following Christ may cause conflict within your own family. This is exactly what Jesus predicted would happen, so it should not surprise us.
Then, I read this verse:
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17
And the dichotomy struck me. Jesus said that following Him would cause division and disruption. Jesus also says that He is salvation. It is clear, then, that the act of salvation is not peaceful. The result may be peace and joy, but the process is not. But, then, we should not be surprised about this either.
The act of rebellion, sinning against God, is an act of moral violence. We utterly disdain and trample on God’s Word to us when we sin. It is only by His mercy and grace that He is willing to receive us when we repent. Salvation is given to us when Christ pays the price for our sin. That is a violent act, as well.
“Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:4-5
This was not a gentle, peaceful procedure.
Compare this to the offers of salvation from some. They say that you can earn it by simply working hard or by meditating frequently. They offer peace and joy by way of training to be peaceful and joyful. But, if there is no payment in kind for the violence we have done, there is no salvation.
It’s not pretty to think about, but it’s the truth. It is the blood of Christ that saves us because it paid the debt we could not pay.
Violence was done and repaid.
Accept no other offer.