Flip-Your-Lid Good News

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” -John 3:14–15

It starts with what we might rightly see as bad news. Something bad has happened. Corruption is rife. We are broken since almost the foundation of humanity. A sacrifice needs to be lifted up. Even the opportunity for a sacrifice is a grace.

God doesn't rest waiting for us to figure the sacrifice on our own. In fact, he comes as the sacrifice. This is Jesus describing being hung on the cross — lifted up for man to look upon. He is the sacrifice. The perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. The flip-your-lid good news is this: whoever believes in him has eternal life because of that lifting up.

Because of the cross of Christ, those who believe in him have eternal life. The Son was sent because God so loved the world. Today, if you believe in Jesus, you are safe. Eternal life with him is yours. You have the love that never leaves and can never be tarnished or given up.

Today, let it put a smile on your soul and your face. Take on what lies before you, and rejoice in the grace you have been given in Christ.

Put It On

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” -Romans 13:14

You will face all kinds of nasty today. There will be hard conversations, temptations around every corner, and a loud chorus of the world screaming that you should want what you don't need.

You will have many choices that will show you more than anyone else, just how much you believe of the grace that you have been given. The fantastic news is that no matter how you choose, you are still Christ's if you believe in him. You are secure in him and can rest in that safety to live well.

You also put on Jesus; you wear his righteousness. Remind yourself of it, and make no provision for the flesh. Set aside the temptations, the nasty that comes your way. Put on the grace that Jesus gives you and wear it well today.