"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." - 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 and 6:1-2
One of the things that our family loves about Summer is that our family's flowers bloom in full force: Cahaba Lilies, Stella Dora, multiple colors of Canna Lilies, Day Lilies, Crepe Myrtles, Phlox, Surprise Lilies, Black-Eyed Susans, Red Hot Pokers, Star Lilies, Hostas, and more. It's amazing, and we love it. It's beautiful, and makes it worth the wait.
Even as Fall is arriving soon, the blooming continues with various roses and surprise lilies just now putting out buds that love cooler temperatures.
We've waited months to see these things bloom. So when we pull in our driveway, we go slow. Well, I'll speak for myself; I go slow. I look at every flower, thrilled and amazed at the beauty. Even my wife and kids not only endure my pulling into our driveway slowly, but they also say, "Wow, Honey! Wow, Dad, the yard looks so good!"
We've waited. Now we enjoy.
If we do this for flowers, how much more does God want us to slow down each day and enjoy our beautiful gifts from God through faith in Christ: forgiveness, freedom from sin, new life in the Spirit in the Kingdom of God!
God speaks of wanting us to slow down each day and enjoy our beautiful gifts from God through faith in Christ by putting it this way in today's verse: "we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain...Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
There were people who lived long ago, who waited a lifetime, believing God's promise about a coming Messiah. They waited patiently for a lifetime, but never saw the day when our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ took on mortal flesh and did his saving work by the power of the Holy Spirit. But in Hebrews 11, we hear of the amazing lives of many who, (though they didn't see the fulfillment of the incarnation of Jesus), lived inspiring and courageous lives because in faith they actually did see in their hearts what they waited for in faith. They slowed down and pictured the promise of God's Messiah in their hearts and their minds. And in so doing, they were empowered and blessed.
Hey, y'all! I know life is busy, and summer is full of activity. Fall and school and football season can be even busier. But slow down! Flowers are blooming that haven't bloomed in a year. Stop, and take a look. They're beautiful.
And on a much grander scale the long-awaited salvation and blessings of God are in full bloom. Slow down, and consider and give thanks for and enjoy the wonder of Jesus Christ and all the blessings of life in God's Holy Spirit. It's beautiful. Absolutely beautiful!
"We appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain...Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 5:20-21 and 6:1-2)
Praise God!
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