Gifts come in many shapes and sizes and hold different values to the people that possess them. How often have you receive a gift that was not what you may have hoped for or request? Far too frequently we are unappreciative of the gifts that we receive from others. If it is a pair of shoes, we want them to be name brand, if it is jewelry it has to be real and expensive, in the case of cars they must be luxury models, and when it comes to food, it must be steak because we will not accept Top Ramen. The gifts that we except must meet and suit our standards. Any gift you give us must be perfect.
There is something to be said about those that want to receive the perfect gift but continue to make imperfect offerings. We ask the world to cater to us and give us our hearts desires yet we are not willing to put anything on the line or change any of our behaviors, yet we keep questioning, “why we do not get the best of all things. “
In reading Romans 8:1-5 for today’s sermon I witnessed Paul exclaim the importance of how those that are redeemed can no longer be condemned. I found that to be amazing, once the perfect gift was given, that how a complete 180 degree turn had occurred in the life of those that were once given a death sentence because of the life they once lived outside of the love of Jesus Christ. This life that kept the early Christians in bondage (the Human Condition) Paul talks about this in Romans 7:18 “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t.” We could not live a righteous and pleasing life to God based on following the law. Because Holy living had proven itself impossible the God gives us the perfect gift.
This perfect gift from God would give life to the Christians in Rome and to Christians everywhere else until the end of time. As I read this scripture, I discovered three refreshing points about the redeemer.
· He was made flesh like you and I
· He suffered and died for you and I
· He left a Helper for you and I
He was made flesh like you and I, Jesus being born into sin just as all man before and after Him caused the death of sin to no longer consume the life of God’s children. This Gift keeps on giving because of the newness of life that is restored every day. Christ gives us the perfect example of how we should strive to live a life pleasing to God. During this Lenten season, there is time to reflect over Christ’s sacrifice and gain strength in knowing that we too can live better, by following in Christ’s steps of submission and sacrifice
He suffered and died for you and I, brothers and sisters please understand the cross that Jesus bore to give us the full and perfect give of everlasting did not come quick nor was it easy. Christ was beaten, mocked and handed over to enemies of the church to award us with redemption. As we consider Jesus’ gift, recognize the suffering that went into being nailed to a cross and drowning in His own fluids all for you and I. Not only did He suffer, die, and be raised from the dead, Jesus did not want us to face this world and our flesh alone.
He left a Helper for you and I, only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we face the cravings of the flesh. Romans 8:10, “If Christ is in you the flesh is dead and the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” The flesh is seeking to keep us from the fellowship with God. However, if we listen, pray, and trust and believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, we will live free from the bondage of this world.
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