Wednesday, October 11, 2023
The young man was amazed as he got to sit on the court in the row behind the players at an NBA game. He had been in the locker room before the start of the game. He had come into the players' entrance into the arena. He had entered the stadium through the underground tunnel only players, coaches, and officials used. Each of these areas was guarded by security or police. How was this possible? He didn't have a ticket, wasn't a player, and was only known to one person inside the organization. Simple; he knew the right person. At each security checkpoint, at the entrance into the players' locker room, and as he stepped onto the court, this significant person said, "Don't worry about him; he's with me!"
When we were baptized with Christ, we were joined with the Lord Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection. [1] Our old sinful nature died, was cut away, and our sins were canceled by the power of sharing in Jesus' work on the cross. Jesus defeated sin and triumphed over the powers and authorities of the demonic world for us on the cross. He freed us from the fear of death and its power to claim our lives. [2] We can be confident of our salvation, access to God, and eternal life. We have victory over sin and death, and hell. Jesus triumphed, and our lives were joined with His through faith in God's power. Jesus' righteousness is our righteousness. [3] As Paul could say:
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. [4]
This is a trustworthy saying:
If we die with him,
we will also live with him. [5]
Jesus' life gives us life. Jesus' future is our future. When we arrive in glory with Jesus, we can be assured of our places with Him in glory because Jesus will say, "Don't worry about them; they are not only with me; they are joined to me!"
Father, thank you for allowing my life to be united to the triumphant life of Jesus through faith. I believe Jesus' sacrifice ensures that I am forgiven, His future ensures my future, and His resurrection from the dead ensures my life with You forever. Thank You, dear Father, for such a great plan and awesome blessing. Most of all, thank you for loving each of us so much to allow our lives to be joined to Jesus' saving work. I offer this prayer and give my thanks and praise to Christ Jesus for His grace. Amen.
Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.
'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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