Give Up Death and Belong to the Lord
Romans 14:8
Friday , April 6th
When I was young we used to play a game in the winter when the snow got piled up high called king of the mountain . Basically try to be the one standing on top of the snow pile while everyone else tries to throw you off so they can stand there . Now I ’ m not even sure how the game ends officially , other than friends all at the bottom laying in the snow wishing they could be on top .
This is kind of what the resurrection of Jesus is like for him . Jesus went through an entire life of humility and always being something that he wasn ’ t . He went through life aching at the sight of individuals who he knew would turn away from him . He lived only to suffer and sacrifice . He hung on a cross till he died as a criminal who had done nothing wrong . Now , after his resurrection , Jesus stands above all others because he came through all that back to life again . Jesus pushed death aside and gave it up . He stands as king of life .
Instead of being thrown down to make room for another at the top , instead of laying down at the bottom looking up and wishing you could be there at the top , you are there . You are with Jesus , living and dying to the Lord . If you find yourself going through difficult times , suffering , and pain right now there ’ s good news . You die to the Lord . If you feel like you might be standing on the top , but you know people are coming for your position in your career field , your class , your home , there ’ s good news . You live to the Lord . It doesn ’ t matter if you ’ re on top or on the bottom , Jesus is on top because of his resurrection . And because he lives now you live with him . Because he has died you die to him . Whether you live or die , good times or bad , health or health crisis , you belong to the Lord . The resurrection of Christ promises you that .
Prayer : Resurrected Christ you have lived , died , and now live again . There is no greater message than that . Help me to have the knowledge that right now , whether I feel on top of the world or feel like the world is on top of me , you are there . You are there for me , with me , and in me . Lead me to realize I live because of you and I will die to you . Give me confidence that no matter what , I belong to you . Amen .
Activity : Each member of the family make a notecard with their name written on it followed by “ belongs to the Lord because Jesus lives ”. Put it on the mirror , on the refrigerator , in a desk , in a book . Put it someplace you ’ ll see it often to be reminded of this verse .
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