For the glory of God

I wrote this a while back to some of my friends – I believe I sent it to a couple of you already. It just stemmed from a late night reading of Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

Paul introduces himself in chapter 1 like this, “Paul, an apostle — not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead –.” How Epic!?

I was thinking about this after I read it, and just how incredibly glorious it would have been to live the life Paul did, or for that matter any of the apostles; planting churches around the world, declaring the perfect work of Christ crucified, and living that as your sole purpose in life. What more glory can we bring and do than build the body of Christ Jesus in the short time we are graced with on this earth?

In moments just after the fleeting thought I checked myself… this is our calling! In whatever shape or form it may be. For our sole purpose is for the glory of God. Is that not incredible? It is truly beautiful, humbling, and awe-inspiring that God would choose wretches like us to extend and declare his majesty to the ends of the earth. And we are truly wretches, if you think otherwise, I suggest you take a long look at yourself and scripture.

“But when He who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by His grace, was PLEASED to reveal his son to me, in order that I might preach Him…” – Gal 1:15-16

For this is our same commission. The fact that we are so graciously CHOSEN by GOD before the foundations of the world (Rev 13) makes no sense! It PLEASED Him! Especially with how imperfect each of us are, at least I know for myself… Oh! who are we that God chooses us!? It moves the heart to weep, from the pure grace that is bestowed upon us, it is overbearing! Let us be humbled!

I know we each have had our share of trials, brokeness, worry, and pain these years of our lives. But I know the calling each of us has upon our lives, and it is far from anything “normal.” I have no idea what we will each end up pursuing, but the fact that God uses it for His glory, in all His infinity, should be more than enough lay weighty upon our hearts.

I hope that each of us will be set with burning desire for Him; that we will stand each day in awe of His infinite beauty; I hope that all we live for, will be for his glory; that he would be the first of our hearts desire, and nothing more; because eternity knows nothing but the souls that come to our savior Christ Jesus. We have no greater calling, and we stand in eternity already, I hope we are reminded each day of that.

Let Christ-crucified be the mantel we each carry. Carry it. Let it rest on you. Let “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do EVERYTHING in the name of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. – Col0ssians 3:17

Now that is a weighty calling, something we cannot every achieve or hold to, none the less, that is our calling, and it is only achievable by our great God’s incredible grace.And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… And behold I am with you ALWAYS, to the end of the age.” – Mt 27:16-20. We are commissioned by the Creator of all things, unlimited in power and glory, who’s majesty cannot be fathomed, no words can describe the endless riches and abundant love He holds. Our God and Savior, this is who calls us!

Just sit in it!

This was random. I hope it speaks to you in some way. Much love for each of you.