Grant Swank
Glory of His name
By Grant Swank
"That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you. . ." II Thessalonians l:l2
The name of Jesus has been scorned throughout the world throughout the church age due to the planet's rejection of its Savior.
"He came unto His own yet His own received Him not."
The world is on a course of rejection of all that is redemptive. This is so in every area of life — education, politics, home, marriage, personal life, entertainment. Sin has gripped the culture to such an extent that God can barely break through into His own making.
Planet's inhabitants become accustomed to the dense fog hanging over biblical morality; but that is due, of course, to the fact that the inhabitants have no other criteria by which to measure the world's dense understanding of ethics.
However, once one comes into the light of revealed Scripture, then one has discovered the eternal criteria. It is at that point that one comes to understand how desperately fallen spiritually is the earth. That then brings to light the truth of disobedience's awfulness, beginning with that of our first parents.
Before this light dawns, the worldly individual considers this environs to be a fairly comfortable place to exist; this is so except when extreme tragedy or natural calamity stalks. Then there are second thoughts.
The name of Jesus has been unmercifully maligned throughout the sphere. Therefore, when one takes up the daily cross in His name, one has the awesome opportunity to bring glory to the maligned name.
This of course will bring upon the believer the shame that the sinful world promises to those who love Jesus. Yet this in itself is the badge of wonder which each believer gladly wears. The more the world turns upon the Christian, the more the disciple knows that he is not of this world — but belongs to the One who reigns in the light-drenched invisible.
Therefore, today bear against the cross in such a manner that the name of Jesus will be lifted high. It is your thanksgiving letter to heaven for redeeming your soul, revealing to you the truth regarding the planet's dilemma and the hope that is yours to share with others.
In all you say, do and think, let the name of Jesus predominate. In that, Master continues to rule benevolently over your consecration. Proclaim Him King now by permitting His identification to cloak your entire existence.
© Grant Swank
May 4, 2009
"That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you. . ." II Thessalonians l:l2
The name of Jesus has been scorned throughout the world throughout the church age due to the planet's rejection of its Savior.
"He came unto His own yet His own received Him not."
The world is on a course of rejection of all that is redemptive. This is so in every area of life — education, politics, home, marriage, personal life, entertainment. Sin has gripped the culture to such an extent that God can barely break through into His own making.
Planet's inhabitants become accustomed to the dense fog hanging over biblical morality; but that is due, of course, to the fact that the inhabitants have no other criteria by which to measure the world's dense understanding of ethics.
However, once one comes into the light of revealed Scripture, then one has discovered the eternal criteria. It is at that point that one comes to understand how desperately fallen spiritually is the earth. That then brings to light the truth of disobedience's awfulness, beginning with that of our first parents.
Before this light dawns, the worldly individual considers this environs to be a fairly comfortable place to exist; this is so except when extreme tragedy or natural calamity stalks. Then there are second thoughts.
The name of Jesus has been unmercifully maligned throughout the sphere. Therefore, when one takes up the daily cross in His name, one has the awesome opportunity to bring glory to the maligned name.
This of course will bring upon the believer the shame that the sinful world promises to those who love Jesus. Yet this in itself is the badge of wonder which each believer gladly wears. The more the world turns upon the Christian, the more the disciple knows that he is not of this world — but belongs to the One who reigns in the light-drenched invisible.
Therefore, today bear against the cross in such a manner that the name of Jesus will be lifted high. It is your thanksgiving letter to heaven for redeeming your soul, revealing to you the truth regarding the planet's dilemma and the hope that is yours to share with others.
In all you say, do and think, let the name of Jesus predominate. In that, Master continues to rule benevolently over your consecration. Proclaim Him King now by permitting His identification to cloak your entire existence.
© Grant Swank
The views expressed by RenewAmerica columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of RenewAmerica or its affiliates.
(See RenewAmerica's publishing standards.)
