GOD’S WORD FOR DECEMBER 11

Our  book this month  is a continuation of “Chiseled by the Master’s Hand ~ Lessons From the Life of Peter,” by Erwin  Lutzer.  Dr. Lutzer is  Canadian-born and served as Senior Pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years, until his retirement in 2016.   He now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Moody Church.  He’s written many books and has radio and internet teaching programs.

THE HIGH COST OF AVOIDING THE CROSS

(Matthew 16:21-18)

Perhaps you have heard the story of the man who operated a drawbridge for a train.  As the train was approaching, he began to lower the bridge, so that it would be entirely horizontal by the time the train approached.  But as the bridge began its descent, he noticed that his own son was caught in between the gears.  Instantly he had to choose; to save his son would mean that the train would be derailed and hundreds of people killed.   With inexpressible anguish, he continued to lower the bridge, crushing his son beneath its weight.  That day as the train sped across the bridge, people waved at the watchman, not knowing how much they owed him!

Today people go merrily on their way, forgetting that they owe God so very much!  They have forgotten that His Son was sacrificed so that we might live.  “But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”  (Galatians 6:14).

Although Christ spoke to Peter and Satan as if they were one, they were treated separately.  Peter eventually turned and stood before Christ’s face.  Satan fled behind Christ’s back.

Peter could stand before his Lord once more, worthy of His name.  This strong rebuke rescued Peter from the snare of the devil. 

The sharp chisel had exposed the fallacy of relying on human wisdom.  Grace and judgment met together in the steady hand of the Master Sculptor.

In one day Peter was shaped by a wonderful affirmation and promise …He was also shaped by a searing rebuke.  Both were needed to chisel a rough stone, so that he would become a man of God.

With Peter we must learn the cross precedes the crown.  We cannot receive the grace of God until we feel the sting of rebuke for our sins and repent of them, falling into the arms of Jesus to receive the forgiveness that He suffered and humbled Himself to earn for us.

*** ***

Galatians 6:14

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Hebrews 10:11-14

And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.  But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,  from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.  For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

Romans 14:10b

…….For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

John 5:22

For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son,

Published by liveinthelightofourlord

View all posts by liveinthelightofourlord