His GRACE. The power of Christ to actually live the way that G_d would have us live! Seriously, if this doesn’t at least make us smile, we are missing the point.
There is another point to be made here though. It says that as we put to death the old man and begin to live – rather – in Christ we begin to experience something totally backwards from what we might expect: we begin to experience His power in our lives in ever-increasing measure. This is real power friends. We literally begin to feel it flowing through our lives; and it is glorious. It is a power that brings about positive change in our world. It is a power that He uses to accomplish His purposes in us and others.
The human temptation is to go out and use that power to “do something great for god.” But this is a dangerous trap. We must ever-remember that G_d does not need us. He wants to use us and fill us with His Love and Strength – for His glory.
We need only to look to Scripture to see the full-measure of the working of G_d’s power and glory in His creatures. In both Isaiah 6, and Revelation 4 it says that there are these fantastic creatures around the throne.
These seraphim (or burning ones) are perhaps some of the most powerful created beings. These are not just sycophants. They are, and others like them, mega and ultra-beings who administer the very workings of the forces of the universe; most likely things like wisdom, math, beauty, physics, virtue, sub-atomic forces, and the like. They are the messengers of G_d in all media.
But think about it. What happens whenever anyone in the Bible sees an angel? They hit the deck in fear and begin to worship. Then the angel immediately says, “fear not!” and gives the credit for his power to G_d. And the farther up in the organization we read about them, the more focused they are only on the Glory of G_d.
These beings do not glory in their position… there are millions of millions in the very “control center” of the universe. And what is the main event? “WOW look at what G_d just did! How cool is that? How wonderful He is!” And these creatures take emblems of their super-powers and righteously cast them at the foot of the throne of the One who deserves all the credit.
Bottom line: G_d gives us more grace (power), so we can show more of Him. In doing so, He can receive the glory He so richly deserves.
Yeah, we will appear with Him in glory. AND IT WILL BE WONDERFUL! But make no mistake: This is ALL about Him.
Power? All His. Amen.
Honor? All His. Amen and amen.
Glory? All His. Amen, amen, and amen.
