2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NIV) “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”
COMPEL defined: to drive; a strong irresistible force.
CONVINCED defined: to firmly believe by the use of evidence; to realize the truth of something.
When Christ died on that cross on Golgotha’s hill, He was not dying for Himself alone, but for all of mankind. The disciples knew all about OT Law and the blood sacrifice that was due in payment for one’s sin. They also knew that Jesus was not just any man, but THE man … the Messiah; the chosen One; the One God had sent to cleanse them of every sin. At this point they did not grasp the significance in His death and had gotten caught up in all that had happened. They were confused as to why Jesus had to die at all, let alone a criminal’s death on a cross. They only saw what was right in front of them. They were not looking with spiritual eyes. When He died, they scattered. Christ rose 3 days later and presented Himself to His disciples as a means of further proving His Deity or God nature. If they had any doubts about who He was or what had happened, they were erased.
This was how God defined love to them. This is how God defined love to all of Creation. His love for His own Creation was so strong, so unconditional, so eternal that in spite of anything they had done against His laws, He still sent His one and only Son to be THE blood sacrifice to end all blood sacrifices. You see, when Christ willingly accepted this task, this put into motion God’s salvation plan for all mankind; a plan foretold in scripture. It was a plan God had from the start. It was His way of showing an unruly and disobedient generation just how much He loved them.
Jesus was causing quite a stir among His followers by showing up after they saw Him die. He told them He would rise from the dead and though they heard Him, they were not listening. Thomas even needed to place his hands in the nail marks on Jesus’ hands and feet before he would believe it was Him. For this he was dubbed “doubting” Thomas and to this day it is a term used for someone that must see something to believe it. But when he saw that it WAS Jesus the following brief dialogue ensued:
John 20:27-29 (NIV) “Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Neither Thomas, nor the disciples were ever the same again. After Jesus ascended into heaven, they followed the Holy Spirit’s leading and changed the world. They even died for their faith.
How does this sound to us today? Are we convinced that Christ died for all? Are you even convinced He died for you? He did you know. Because of His love for us all, a love He offered before we even knew Him, our compulsion should be to not only love Him in return, but live for Him. Romans 5:8 (NIV) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Who would do such a thing? God alone. Reflect on these truths. Meditate on where you have come from and how God has revealed Himself in so many ways in your life. God loved you before the foundations of the earth. Mind boggling, I know, but it is true. It is by faith and trust that we can achieve this understanding. Living for yourself is an empty way of life. Live for God and know the true joy of peace in the most trying of times. It comes with a price … obedience, purity, selflessness … all traits you will acquire over time as you dedicate your life to His service.
John 8:31-32 (NIV) “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
WALK WITH THE KING IN FREEDOM & BE BLESSED!!!
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