The death of Christ is the biggest news that has ever been provided to mankind. Because the rapture is for sure and standing before our Maker is certain (2 Corinthians 5:6-10). Christ’s death and resurrection is not only good news, but it exposes the depth of His obedience to God. How far does our obedience take us? In a world that is dangerous will we go as far as the believers who were beheaded by Isis? The Apostle Paul way back in his time said that “the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). How far does our obedience take us?
I do understand that our daily lives can be difficult. There is the pressure of schedules, bills, health, relationships, work, etc. The constant appeal of all these things can wear a person out. Satan is doing his best to devour the saints of God with life’s worries and cares (Luke 8:14; 1 Peter 5:7-9; Revelation 12:10). Even though this is true, our obedience to God can carry us through issues, rather than taking a commonsense approach to resolving issues (Proverbs 3:5-6). The Bible instructs us to; “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider (that is to examine carefully) how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrew 10:23-25) We would all stand strong if we remember; “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.” (1 Cor 12:26-27) Solomon explains to us how important it is to be a supportive body (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
Bruce Thielemann, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, told of a conversation with a member of his flock who said, “You preachers talk a lot about `do unto others,’ but when you get right down to it, it comes down to basin theology.” Thielemann asked, “Basin theology? What’s that?” The layman said, “Remember what Pilate did when he had the chance to acquit Jesus? He called for a basin and washed his hands of the whole thing. But Jesus, the night before His death, called for a basin and proceeded to wash the feet of the disciples. It all comes down to basin theology: Which one will you use?” (Craig Larson, Illustrations for Preaching and Teaching from Leadership Journal).
A believer stands tall when they are willing to go as far as God commands, and as low as service to God demands (Philippians 2:1-5). Christ fulfilled God’s commands because He said, “He must be about His Father’s business”; as a result, the cross was not too low. Maybe this is why Paul says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13; 3:7-11)