There have been times in our Christian experience when we have been ashamed to make our true identity known. This could be the result of our conduct at the time or because of the presence of unbelievers. Perhaps like Peter in his experience we were completely out numbered and would have been put on the spot had we made known our identity. Really, like it or not, for the moment it amounts to having been ashamed of our Saviour. This is an awful thing, and as a result we like Peter after such denial, weep and seek the Master's forgiveness.
How often the Saviour has had occasion to be ashamed of us. But never so. The writer of Hebrews states, 'He is not ashamed to call us brethren.' How is this possible and why is it so? One reason is found in 'this verse: 'He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one.'
The Scriptures teach us that there is a mystical union (wrought by the Holy Spirit) between Christ and the believer. 'For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.' Ephesians 5:30. The Saviour loves His body. Ephesians again testifies that He 'nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.' Ephesians 5:29. It is because of this union 'He is not ashamed to call them brethren.' Think of it, dear Christian, the creator and sustainer of the universe loves us so much that He is never ashamed of us. This includes all of us. Paul wrote to the Corinthiansinthian church and said that even the members of the body that seem to be more feeble are necessary. See. I Corinthians. 12:22. This is no encouragement to give way to careless living. This is, a motivating force for a closer walk with the Lord.
Another reason also for his not being ashamed to call us brethren is that 'He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.' Psalm 103:14. I shall never cease to thank God for this wonderful portion of His Word. May I tell you why? In my day I've seen a lot of dust around the country. I have yet to, find any that has had much of value as far as any intrinsic force is concerned. Verse 14 of this same chapter in Hebrews says, 'Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same.' Again in verse 17, 'Wherefore, in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren.' Therefore, it is written again, 'We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.' Hebrews 4:15. This is the reason for His not being ashamed 'to call us brethren.' Oh, how the Lord loves us. We should never lose sight of this fact. It is so easy to become discouraged these days and particularly, so if we give an honest appraisal of ourselves. Yet the Lord does not want us to be like that. We should look at ourselves as in union with Him.
Do you have troubles and are you often disappointed with yourself? Keep before you, dear child of God, that your Lord and Master does not sit in judgment to punish you. He rather is seated at the right hand of God the Father and is in sympathy with you.
As I bring this little message to a close I call to your attention two words in Hebrews. One is in chapter 4, verse 15 (previously quoted in this message). It is the word 'touched.' It really is 'sympathy.' Again in verse 2 of chapter 5 we have the English word 'compassion.' This too, is the word 'sympathy' in the Greek. The message is simple: He can and does have sympathy for us, and, 'like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For He knoweth our frame, He remembereth that we are dust.' Don't expect too much of yourself, dear friend, and you won't be disappointed so much. In fact,don't expect anything of yourself, for in your flesh (dust) 'dwelleth no good thing.'
You may expect something from the Lord, however, as He works in and through you 'for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to do.'( Philippians 2:13.
Thank you, dear Lord, for never being ashamed of us to call us brethren; help us never to be ashamed of you and to make our identity known.
How God Saves
Men
Believing
Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing
Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read
Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4
(A 10 Minute Video)
Posted By Cecil and Connie Spivey
Share this Bible Message with your friends
No comments:
Post a Comment