Rolling with the punches

(1Peter 2:9) “…that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you…”

To roll with the punches, to take it on the chin and the like is something we are all forced to do from time to time. However, it is how we react that defines us. Some cleave to “worldly sorrow” (the woe is me syndrome) while others look at it as God’s sovereignty and often His correction, which in turn teaches us valuable lessons as life unfolds. The Apostle Peter clarifies some truths in relation to this subject; “and "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1Peter 2:8-9) – All will fall into one of two camps, those who stumble at this teaching, in other words reject God’s Word and in fact are destined to do so. While there are others who have been destined to embrace come what may and through their lifetime will bring glory to their almighty gracious merciful God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

What then of this call? I could speak for many as I looked to excuse myself of the sin that so easily besets but that would be foolish on my part. From day to day there is more than enough I need to contend with and in my lifetime I will never arrive by my example quite like the Lord so majestically conquered by defeating sin, hell and the grave; Christ our perfect sacrifice. This truth however should not keep me from wrestling to put off the nature of the old man and yes as some of my brethren so aptly put it; after twenty five years I am still doing a lot of the same things in my life and in fact I am worse in some areas. I still struggle in many of the same areas, but does this mean I now throw in the towel as some onlookers would suggest as they see a bloody and battered face with my knees buckling just about to collapse, NO is the cry! While I have puff, while we all have breathe we most certainly are alive to hope.

Mediocrity is not an option; excellence must be our objective; “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

It is not what the individual does that makes us acceptable in the beloved, the Lord Jesus Christ is the one who justifies and we are sanctified by what He achieved on Calvary. Nevertheless because we have now been freed from the power of sin we now need to start living as those who have been freed. This truth is often overlooked in my life and for this I ask for forgiveness my Merciful Father. A forgetful hearer is what I become and it should not be so. However, today a good day, your grace has peeled away the hindering wax of life from my ears and the sound of your sweet small voice is pleasant on the ear. Your grace is most certainly sufficient, thank you Father God for your tenderness; “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalms 145:8)

How do I know this to be true? If it wasn’t so I would no longer be alive or be rolled up in some desolate corner begging bread. So, yes even for those who are not model Christians, we most certainly have a hope, NO! Rather cheerful hopes in Him, our glorious Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ, bless and praise His glorious name. My voice goes out to those whose hope seems somewhat clouded; the clutches of death once again gape at your throat looking to choke the life from you. Fear not, our great Saviour has overcome, call out to Him with sincerity and He will be quick to send His ministering angels to bring relief. Do not let the cares of this life, or even the voices of friends discourage you, call out and you will be heard, you WILL be saved; “For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."” (Romans 10:13) – But call you must!

In conclusion, no matter where we are as Christians we most certainly have a high priest who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. When the bible says, that our God cares for us, this is not a suggestion but a fact; “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1Peter 5:7)

These are just some of the attributes of my great God, the God of all true Christians; I will exalt His name, praise must go to Jesus the One who has made the way for so many wayward sinners, all glory belongs to Him and to no other, Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone