STEP UP
"Come now, let's settle this," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them white as wool." (Isaiah 1:18 NLT)
Normally, it takes two parties to settle something, unless of course it is already settled by one party and the holdup is just on the part of one of the parties involved. I would say this is the case when it comes to our relationship with God. His part is settled. His promises are true. It is up to us to step up and step in.
We have just begun what is referred to as Lenten season. I recently read that the ashes on the forehead are as a reminder of sins. I did not realize that as a child. Each person steps up and in turn they are marked. As I read Leviticus and the sacrifice requirements, I see the people lined up and as their turn comes they step to offer their sacrifice and on and on it goes.
Jesus stepped up to offer Himself as a sacrifice for all. And we in turn are offered the opportunity to step up and receive Him. Our lives are full of opportunities to step up, but the most important step is coming to God in Christ Jesus.
Recently, we were watching a “cop show” and it always amazes when the thieves are caught that they start shooting instead of just surrendering. As I thought of that, I realized that we often do this very thing when it comes to Christ. Why don’t we just surrender when we realize we are guilty? How many people go through the line for ashes and never really surrender or establish a relationship with Christ. How often do we realize we are in trouble and do nothing about it?
I remember well the day I realized that I could be in trouble if the Bible was true and then I quickly buried that thought and went on with my life. It was spiritually like getting in a gun fight instead of surrendering. I risked eternity to ignore what I now know was the Holy Spirit telling me to get my hands up.
I seem to have a lot of opportunities to share at funerals and I am certain that there are many there who are just like I was. I never really paid much attention or seriously considered my own soul. For this reason, I always want to offer seeds that may cause people to step up and consider Jesus.
Of course, once we have come to Christ, we open a whole new realm of stepping up. We find many opportunities to step up and stand up. We miss some and make some. The more we desire Him the more we step up for Him in His name. I believe we are in a season where we need to step it up; either in stepping in if we have not, or stepping up if we have. When I was a kid I remember a song we sang in church that said, “Stand up, stand up for Jesus you soldiers of the cross.” Let’s be prepared at every opportunity to display and defend the hope that is in us.