So I’m Justified….now what?!? (Part 3: Don’t Just Do Something, Stand There!)
June 15, 2007 by John
Many things in the Gospel are dichotomies. We live in tension as sinner/saints. We enjoy God’s kingdom breaking into time and space (the already), but we long for its fullness (not yet). We serve a Savior who is fully God and yet became fully man. We can’t escape the tension that is the Christian life. And is true for what we are to do in regards to our justification.
In the last post, we looked at how our justification leads us to Don’t Just Stand There, Do Something. Our justification is a springboard for intimacy with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and we can have great confidence as we engage relationally with them. Today we look at how we are to Don’t Just Do Something, and Stand There in regards to our right standing before God.
As much as I would encourage you grow in intimacy with the Divine based on our justification, I would also urge you to just stand there and stare at our justification. Let your jaw drop. Be in awe. Jesus completely fulfilled God’s law. He loved His Father and humanity perfectly and completely. This record is credited to you.
Quit running around trying to earn brownie points from God. It is like begging for pocket-change when you have access to an unlimited bank account. Just stand there and rest in Jesus record..because its yours. So Don’t Just Do Something…Stand There! You will find that this as well will enhance your relationship with the Divine.
*sigh* Nice timing, bro.
So I got an email (as part of a large group) that asked for some help with the ministry I am in. One part of it was asking for volunteers or if we knew anyone who would be willing to give a testimony for a testimony night we are doing in a few weeks. My response:
“The only other thing I think we could help out with is the testimony part. I don’t feel like my testimony is particularly powerful or unique or whatever, but I could possibly swing it if you guys really couldn’t find anyone else. Again, kinda weird, and I’ve never done anything like that before, but I could consider it if it is needed.”
*shrugs* I know. Here was the response I got from a friend:
“Yeah, not too much at all powerful about the fact that you were dead and lost in your own depravity and sin and God sent His only son down to receive your punishment 2,000 years before you ever took a breath. But whatever, surely you can come up with some sort of testimony that wouldn’t be boring or anything….”
Aaaaaaaaaand now I feel like an ass. Rightfully so, I am convinced. I am now very grateful for the response, as it definitely help put things into perspective for me. I told the pastor last night that I really do want to give my testimony now. My friend was right. There’s nothing boring or uneventful about it. I just needed to stop doing something for a second and stand there.
Peace bro.
Mmmmmm, biscuits.
This is good stuff John! Looking forward to reading more!
Love ya,
Me