I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. [Galatians 2:20 NKJV] Galatians 2:20 comes up a lot in study and meditation - and no wonder - it is a memorable and profoundly uplifting verse; and in choosing a song to complement the words I found many - all closing in on Christ lives in me or who loved me and gave Himself for me. This is wonderfully true, and yet, I cannot help but see the balancing words that begin the verse; I have been crucified with Christ. This expression unveils the reality of our faith; the abiding reality of our Lord. Christ is always real. I was once chided for using the word “reality” to refer to our natural worldly life when speaking to a gathering, and rightly so. In the spiritual life the world is tangible only; Jesus is real. Remember the letter to the Church at Smyrna, who had nothing said against them by Christ because they suffered tribulation. As followers of Jesus, we are completely identified with Him in His suffering. We are crucified with Christ. Only then can we experience the glory of Christ within you. “It Is No Longer I That Liveth” “Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me” — CityAlight OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE Sunday 6th September 2020 “I suppose it’s God’s will” — where is the joy of the Lord about that? The conception Jesus had of the will of God was that of glad, leaping obedience to it as the most glorious thing conceivable. |
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GEORGE and GILL STEWART |