Month: May 2014

Why Jesus Really Died for Us

~ seeingeternity

In thinking the other day about the parables in Matthew 13, I realized something startling: we are, to God, the treasure hidden in a field, the pearl of great price. “In his joy” he determined to redeem us, and “for the joy set before him” endured the cross to make us his own.

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:44-46)

“For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

He did it not out of duty, but because he saw us as worth it all.

© 2014 Deborah Morris

Questions or Comments?

Vaccinating Against the Gospel

~ seeingeternity

Musing this morning about how easy it is to effectively “vaccinate” people against committing to Christ–not by making it too hard, but by making it too easy.

We so want to see them come into the kingdom of God that we wheedle, we smooth their way, we downplay the sacrifices involved in total obedience. And sometimes we persuade them, but it’s only a skin-deep conversion. They eventually drift away in the same way they drifted in…only now they think they understand what Christianity is all about, so they’re twice as resistant.

Jesus didn’t chase after the rich young ruler who turned away. He didn’t soften the terms, or give him a pep talk about how awesome it would be to follow Him. He watched the young man walk away. Who knows? Maybe the young man later changed his mind.

I’ve wheedled and “loved” people into spirit-numbing half-commitments. I hope I’ve learned my lesson. Real love carries a cross.

© 2014 Deborah Morris