“The Lord Jesus Christ will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Phil. 3:21b)
As Christian we desire to become Christ like. This transformation is a lifelong process. The Scriptures tell us that Christ will do this work in us. We, however, short-circuit this process by ignoring his will and living for ourselves. This drive to live for ourselves is at the core of our nature, pervading our minds, our emotions and our will. We would prefer to avoid the process of transformation, live unto ourselves, and rationalize that we are sufficient and able to do most everything. We turn to God only in dire circumstances.
Paul laments over some who have received Christ, but refuse his will for them. He says of them “their god is their belly.” They like Esau sell their spiritual birthright for a mess of pottage. He says that they “glory in their shame.” They justify themselves, and convince themselves of such unreality, that evil becomes good, and they rejoice in their delusion. He says their minds are set on earthly things, and they lose their relationship to the living God. They are “enemies of the cross.” They refuse to deny their natures, and walk with God as he seeks to change them. Their end is destruction.
Just as Jesus yearned to gather Jerusalem under his protection, so he longs to help, heal, nurture, and protect his followers. He likens his desire to care for us to that of a mother hen gathering her chicks under her wings in comfort and security. Will you yield to our Lord as he seeks to transform you into his likeness, or will you cling to your nature against his? Lent is the season of inner change. Let us take advantage of the power it provides.
Lord Jesus, convict me of my pride and rebellion. Reveal to me the full strength of your nature. Transform me into the person you have in grace created me to be, and allow me to reflect your nature to the world around me.
Amen.
In His Peace,
Pastor Schultz