Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-05-22-2018
This is devotional thought number 36 in our devotional series titled, “The Gospel According to Paul.”
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28).
A statement that is found on many employment applications, in the United States, is one that states that the company is an equal opportunity employer. This means that they have promised not to discriminate on any basis given by the applicant who applies for a position, if he or she is qualified for that position. When this statement is held to, and people are not discriminated against, it makes it possible for the best candidate to get the position.
What I have found is, that the Lord is the epitome of equal opportunity. He never plays favorites, and is no respecter of persons. When an individual hears His voice and opens their heart to Jesus, He is delighted to save them. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:27-29). In this case, those who are selected for the position of heirs according to the promise need to have one qualification, faith in Jesus. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:9-13). Saving faith in Jesus qualifies us for heaven. The faith, of which Jesus is the author, empowers us to live holy lives. As we grow in faith and knowledge of Him, we receive the mind of Christ, and we please God in every way.
There is one thing I neglected to mention. Equal opportunity employers consent to pay fair wages. Our equal opportunity God pays well above fair wages. When we accept Jesus as our friend, we receive the reward that He is worthy of. He lived a perfect life of righteousness so we could one day receive a crown of life. This, my friends is far more than we deserve, but the Lord is righteous, and sees us through His dear Son. I would say that He is a great God to be living for. What do you say?
I’m not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, are you?—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)