Though Christ a thousand times in Bethlehem be born, If he’s not born in thee, thy soul is still forlorn.
~Angelus Silesius (1624-1677)
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
~ From Isaiah 61
Oh beloved, it is true. The work enabling our redemption is finished. But there is a vital truth that so many of us miss. And if we miss it, we miss the message of redemption altogether.
Jesus did indeed die for the whole world’s sin. However, He did not die for the world en masse. He died a death far-beyond-sufficient for the cause of paying for everyone’s sins. However, the appropriation of that payment must be reckoned into the account of each person who chooses to yield to the saving Lordship of of our Lord Jesus Christ.
… whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Oh friend, are you a ‘whosoever’? You can be. Yield tonight.
… those He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren
And you beloved, are those being born after our Beloved Firstborn Brother. And on that day when you (and this fool of a writer) were crucified with Him, He looked across time and spoke your name. He – in His own very infinite power – claimed you personally as His very own. His blood poured out that our blood would mingle with His, be cleansed, and become one blood in Him, in eternity.
Ahmad.
Michael.
Sarah.
Tim.
John.
Sajal.
Joel.
Melinda.
Makala.
Andrew.
Brianne.
Molly.
Christian.
And every other name under heaven given among men who will call upon His name to save them from both their own sin – and from their very own self. He spoke your name. He said it clearly.
Can we see it? The G_d and King of The Universe spoke your name in forgiveness my friend. And He did it while pouring out His very own perfectly good blood for you. He did this willingly. He did this is in His right mind. He did this in an overtly vicious act of Love on your behalf…. The question before us is astoundingly simple. Will we yield to a Love such as this?
You are known by Him. He already knows everything. And He has spoken your name across time. Perhaps, no surely, it is time for you to know Him back. It is going to be an amazing Day, this wedding feast. Will you join Him there? He is calling your name tonight.
Here is a link to some more resources if you need them… Oh how He Loves you!
