Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Abba's Goal

ABBA’S GOAL
Colossians 2:6-10
The Message vv.6-7: “My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live Him. You’re deeply rooted in Him. You’re well constructed upon Him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spillover into thanksgiving.”

“You realize that you’re my brother now?” Shakira asked Keith, with a smirk on her face.

“No way!” Keith dropped the ball—that he intended to serve for beginning their 4-Square play this recess from 3rd grade—utterly stunned.

“What?” Bethany asked. “Did you receive Jesus as your Savior, Keith?”

Greg looked at his friends, confused. “I feel like I just dropped into another planet.”

Shakira was loving this, and giggled aloud. Bethany looked from Keith to Shakira to Greg, then burst out laughing. “Say it ain’t so, guys!” She cleared her throat to explain. “Greg, if Keith accepted Jesus into his life, he’s my brother, too—my brother in Christ!”

These kids are living their faith right out in the open, and having fun with it, too. Keith’s salvation opened the door to a lifetime of growing up in his faith—something that’s called sanctification. (Sank-tif-i-KA-shon is the process that transforms God’s kids into righteous, holy people). Now Keith’s done it—he’s set apart from the rest of the world! Keith, Shakira, and Bethany are destined to be conformed into the very image of God’s Son, Jesus.

That’s Abba’s goal, kids. The reason why we were created.

Recent devotions, Sanctification, House, and Remodeling Keith were written as a preview for our watching Keith’s reactions to his new life in Christ. Now Shakira’s blown his mind by confirming their relationship as brother and sister. Bethany confirmed and further defined their connection as being one in Christ. Their transformation is day by day, from the inside outwards. This happens by the power of the Holy Spirit, dwelling inside them. He changes character, perspective, attitude, and behavior of the kids who willingly invite Jesus into their lives.

“How, or why did you do this, Keith?” Greg wondered. “What’s the deal?”

The kids will learn that surrendering to Jesus’ Lordship completes the process—and even makes it easier. Waiting to surrender to Jesus stunts their growth, until they finally give up trying to live life on their own terms.

Take Home Nugget

“I do feel like the odd ball out” Greg admitted. “What’s this about?”

“Come to Sunday school with me, Greg” Shakira invited.

Keith rolled his eyes. “I’ll make it easy for you, Greg. Just come with me this Sunday.”

Coming to Christ is transformational, which is Abba’s goal.

J.D. Griffith
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