I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
As I continue to ponder what to study next, my Bible study this morning once again leans on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at whether God is the "end" or a "means to the end." John Piper pointedly and rhetorically asks "[i]s Jesus Christ a means to this achievement or the end of the achievement?" Piper then states, without hesitation, that because Jesus Christ is the "supreme revelation of God," He is the end and not a means. Piper elaborates further on this claim by sharing that the "[t]he manifestation of the glory of God is the meaning of the universe[, and that t]his is what God is achieving. The heavens, and the history of the world, are 'telling the glory of God.'" Yet Piper does not settle this question here. As he delves deeper into the core question, Piper recognizes that Jesus Christ continues to be active in His saving work. Piper writes that "Jesus Christ was sent to accomplish something that needed doing. He came to remedy the fall. He came to rescue sinners from inevitable destruction because of their sin....No one would see and savor and celebrate the glory of God apart from the saving work of Christ. The aim of the universe would abort. So, Christ is a means." The crucifixion is described as "the apex of the revelation of the glory of God[:] in the very moment of his perfect act as the means of God’s purpose, Jesus became the end of that purpose. He became, in his dying in the place of sinners and his resurrection for their life, the central and supreme revelation of the glory of God." Piper winds down the devotion by then sharing that "[w]ithout his work, that end — to reveal the fullness of the glory of God for the enjoyment of God’s people — would not have happened....Jesus is the end for which the universe was made, and the means that makes that end possible to enjoy by justified sinners."
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gave Himself to me so that I could life to the full now and for eternity in Heaven. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such gifts...my sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
