1.
The Cheat: Gen 32:24-27- this is the
account of Jacob's wrestle with God. When asked of his name, he answered
"Jacob" it simply means a Trickster or a Cheat. His long and
consistent record proved it to be true. And by saying I am "Jacob” he
agreed he was a "Trickster". Here's the most amazing thing that I
feel happened. God said “Your name shall NO LONGER be called Jacob, but
Israel...” Back up lil
bit! I thought he just said "I am a cheat", and that puts him in the
position to be punished, and God goes ahead to say "NO LONGER”. INSTANTLY
he was "Transformed" from being a Cheat to become God's own Prince.
In other words, he was given a New Identity one different from what
circumstance and people put him and knew him by. And from that moment on till
now, even though he had a scar from the Past, He was one man that was granted
instant Transformation and was divinely set up for Greatness by just that
encounter.
2. The Prodigal: Luke 15:22-24- this is the account of the Lost Son.
If I were to choose a side I probably will be on his brother's side. Because
his found brother did not deserve the reception by their father, which he
rebelled against. But what did the Father say "Bring QUICKLY the BEST
robe...For this MY SON...was lost, and is found" and again, a son who has
just wasted his resources, given his family a bad name, now returns and all of
a sudden he seems to be the most "Preferred" that's not fair, But it’s
Amazing. He INSTANTLY was reinstated to his Son-ship with all Benefits accrued.
Even though he lived a wasted Life, which was not enough evidence to know who
he really was. The Father still called him "MY SON". If anyone has a
problem with that... It’s totally irrelevant!
3. The Thief: Luke 23:39-43- This account is that of the two
robbers at the Cross with Jesus. The first thief is whom I call the realist,
the critic. And he was being "real". But my focus is on the other
guy. It’s really amazing how that a guy who probably never heard about Jesus or
who did but ignored Him, received an Eternal pardon. Think about it, this thief
from the day he was born, up on till that time must have committed serious
crimes. And just at the brink of him getting his well deserved punishment in
hell, he INSTANTLY is forgiven of all crimes, by Jesus, saying "...today
you will be with me in Paradise."
When
there are Christians who loved God all their Life misses heaven at the brink of
time, without Pardon. This Thief was rewarded with a full believer's reward. Just
because he believed few seconds to execution.
That's not fair. But it is Amazing! His Life before was not enough
evidence to prove who he really is.
4. The “caught-in-the-act’’: John 8:1-11. This is the account of the Woman caught
in the very act of adultery, brought before our lord Jesus. Now, for some
reason they didn’t stone her to death right away, to feel more justified by
their action, brought her before Jesus so they could affirm their
self-righteousness and self-right to condemn. But tables turned, instead they
left with guilt on their conscience and the one who deserved so much terrible
punishment and death received pardon and Life. There is so much I can draw from
here, but I’ll keep this writing to context. Jesus didn’t give a heck about her
past, He didn’t ask her what other sins she committed and how often she did
them… that was why He came. We receive mercy from Him for our past sins and
grace to Live the sin free life Heb. 4:16. You see, whatever it is we did
before we meet Jesus has no effect after we Meet Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:17. The
law and the somewhat Christians condemned her but she received redemption the
Judge of all. She was free to walk on the street again with her head held high
and with no one trying to lift a stone at her again.
5. Jesus: Mathew 3:16-17 lastly this account is of Jesus: This
"guy" here was ridiculed called a carpenter's son; he was tagged as
the one who "grew-up-from-around-here" from the least city and so was
accorded little or no respect. He was betrayed by a trusted ally, He was
treated like a common criminal, His birth was nothing of a Noble one, He had a
rag-tag-bunch of "Misfits" as family generation and He suffered
rejection, was misunderstood, misinterpreted and abused. Among all these that
happened before, and after this event during His time on earth, were not enough
evidence to prove who He really is. He, Jesus, literally got Heaven's endorsement.
With God saying "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well
pleased." And INSTANTLY He began His spiritual journey to Purpose.
In
conclusion, a common denominator in all these account is that they all met God. And it’s in Him we
know who we are not even the people who are close to us can tell except
revealed by God. Not even His Disciples who spent so much time with Him knew
him until God revealed it to one.
Secondly,
the transformation was INSTANT. The Manifestation of this Instant
Transformation may take a Process of time. But the Work is done. We only walk
into it, believing.
It
is irrelevant what happened in your Generations Past, what you have even
experienced. The question you ought to ask is "Have I met God?" And secondly do you believe the work of the Father, and the
Goodness of His Mercy and Grace wherein you now stand.
He
translates us from what should have, would have, could have, and must have
been, into what OUGHT to be. That's the work of Grace. You my dear Friend are
making a Difference... Do you believe?
Your
Virtue as a Woman makes you Priceless and your faith in God makes you a man
after God’s own Heart.
I
Celebrate and Praise You.
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