Sin is like strings which hold and
control us when we do not let the Word of God take root in our lives.
Much like the story of Pinocchio which was a
marionette puppet under the control of his master who animated his every
move. Pinocchio was not even self-aware as a
puppet, or that life even existed (Eph 2:1-3) until he was visited by a fairy (representing
the Holy Spirit) who awakens Pinocchio to give him the gift of life. (Eph
5:14-16) It was implanted into Pinocchio’s mind that his only desire was one day
to become a real boy, which is not unlike our desire that we would break free
of the sin that so easily entangles us.
(Heb 12:1) and live lives solely and freely for Jesus Christ as a new man.
Even when we break free of the strings of
sin, there is always temptation which will attempt to pull us back in again under its control. Being wise and vigilant and always listening to
the Word implanted deep with us (John 1:1-3; Heb 1:1-3; Col 1:15-16) the person
of Jesus Christ who is the living Word of God.
What does it mean “the Word which
implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your
souls.” In our case, it means that the Word which is Jesus who has been implanted
(received) and rooted (or embedded) in our hearts (not
physical heart but in our mind planted like a seed) contains the power (dynamic
force) to save your souls.
As a young person, I remember asking
what does it mean to be saved? Saved
from what? The word 'saved' is from the Greek
word sṓzō which means “to save a suffering one (from perishing),
(i.e. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health. Or to preserve, save or rescue one who is in
danger of destruction, to save from the evils or penalties which obstruct the
reception of Christ’s deliverance).”
The word 'saved' entails more than just being saved from sins, it is so much more. It involves an ongoing relationship with Jesus as well as other fellow believers who are as a family to us, who can regularly
pray with us and for us and meet our immediate need whenever possible.
We are
told in the book of James “to get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of
wickedness,” this would not be possible if it weren’t for Jesus Christ indwelling
in our lives, this power belongs to every believer in Christ who is the source of
all change. Our human nature does not just
disappear just because we come to Christ, it is now under the control of
the one who paid for our sin on the cross. (Rom 8:3) There is now no reason to allow evil to have
it’s way in us or in others: God fully
condemned evil when Jesus suffered, that we might rest in the finished work of
Jesus and not continue to allow evil into our lives and have the rule over us.
We
stand victorious in Christ over every attack of the enemy as long as we
recognize that the Word of God resides within us (Acts 17:28) that is why we
are called overcomers.
 |
| Pinocchio by Enrico Mazzanti (1852-1910) |
It is
not a perfect analogy, but Pinocchio did become a real boy much to the joy of
his father Geppetto.
When
we allow the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we permit the new man to come
forth and become fully formed in our own lives, and it gives our Heavenly Father great joy and
pleasure when we manifest Christ.
It is
interesting that the name Geppetto derives from the Hebrew name “Yehôsêph”,
meaning “Yehowah has added, he will enlarge, God will increase, may he add”,
which in turn derives from “yâsaph”, meaning “to add, increase, do again”.
(reference here: https://bit.ly/2SeYY3Q)
Our Heavenly Father is always a God of
increase or expansion, adding to what we need so that our relationship with Him
may grow and flourish.
May you know the Father’s love to
such an extent that the concerns of this life fade into the ever-expanding knowledge
of Him.
It is all about Him, it's not about us.
Be Blessed;
Stephen Barnett
No comments:
Post a Comment