Hymn of the Week Chief of sinners though I be, Jesus shed his blood for me. Died that I might live on high, Lives that I might never die. As the branch is to the vine, I am his and he is mine! (Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal – Hymn 385 – verse 1) Opposites–attracted by God’s Grace It is said that opposites attract. With the words of this hymn we see that this is true, but only by God’s grace. The content of this hymn reflects what the apostle Paul wrote in his first letter to Timothy: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst” (1 Timothy 1:15). Paul had a track record as a persecutor of Christians before God converted him. He knew he was a sinner from birth as well. Because of his sins, he knew that God would want nothing to do with him. Sin cannot exist in the presence of the Holy God. So now what? God’s GRACE happened. Moved purely by love for lost sinners, God sent his only Son who was perfect and holy. Jesus took on human flesh to suffer and die at the hands of sinful men on a cursed cross. He died for the sins of the world so that whoever believes in him might live on high–in heaven! What wonderful, powerful words these are! As we sing these words we confess our sinfulness. It doesn’t matter if we commit “big” sins or “little” sins. A sin is a sin, and the wages of sin rightly brings death. Yet as we sing these words, we also confess our faith in Jesus: “He died for me! He has forgiven me. Now through faith in him, I will live forever!” Quite the striking opposites, opposites that attract only because of God’s grace! These promises are ours through faith in Jesus. With a simple illustration from nature, we get the point. By grace, we are branches who have been connected to Christ. Because of him, we are alive, growing and bearing fruits of faith. Through faith we have this intimate and personal relationship with Jesus who is not ashamed to call us his own. Likewise we are not bashful to call him our Lord and Savior. Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for taking away all my sins and connecting me to Christ Jesus. Amen.
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:07:33 +0000
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