23 lines
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23 lines
4.2 KiB
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<title>Blue Letter Bible: Day By Day By Grace — Bob Hoekstra</title>
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<div class="head">Day By Day By Grace</div>
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<div class="subhead">Bob Hoekstra</div>
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<div class="desc-center"><div class="pad2020">March 23</div></div>
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<h2>Even More on the Resurrection and Sanctification</h2>
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<div class="block"><i>That I may <b>know Him</b> and the <b>power</b> of <b>His resurrection</b>, and the <b>fellowship</b> of His <b>sufferings</b>, being <b>conformed</b> to His <b>death</b>.</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Phl',3,10);">Philippians 3:10</a>)</div>
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<p>Paul's all-consuming passion was <i>"that I may <b>know Him</b>."</i> This verse does <b>not</b> list <b>four</b> matters for which Paul sought an acquaintanceship (a knowledge of God, resurrection power, a fellowship in Christ's sufferings, and conformity to His death). Rather, it points out <b>one</b> great quest (a knowledge of God) and <b>three</b> different arenas in which that knowledge could grow (resurrection power, a fellowship in Christ's sufferings, and conformity to His death). We saw in our last meditation how resurrection power and suffering can increase our knowing of the Lord. Now, we add another amazing aspect to a growing acquaintanceship with Jesus: <i>"being <b>conformed</b> to His <b>death</b>."</i></p>
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<p>There were some unique aspects to the death of Christ upon the cross (for example, His atonement for sins). However, there were other aspects of His death that God wants to repeat in our lives. As Jesus was placed upon the cross, it looked like defeat. It seemed to be the greatest wrong that man could ever do. Yet, God was working out His sovereign purposes. <i>"Him, being delivered by the <b>determined counsel</b> and <b>foreknowledge</b> of God, <b>you</b> have <b>taken</b> by <b>lawless</b> hands, have crucified, and put to death"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Act',2,23);">Acts 2:23</a>). At times, we are placed in situations that seem certain to lead to a deadly defeat. Yet, the Lord is unfolding His sovereign plan for us. In taking us through such impossibilities (and turning apparent defeat into victory), the Lord is allowing us to become <b>more acquainted</b> with <b>Him</b> and <b>His ways</b>.</p>
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<p>When Jesus was dying, He hung helpless upon the tree. He entrusted Himself into the hands of His Father. <i>"<b>Father</b>, into <b>Your</b> hands I <b>commit</b> My spirit"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Luk',23,46);">Luke 23:46</a>). The Father would have to prove faithful, if Jesus were to come forth from the grave. <i>"Christ was raised from the dead <b>by</b> the <b>glory</b> of the <b>Father</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Rom',6,4);">Romans 6:4</a>). At times, we are in circumstances that are personally crucifying. We are in situations where everything so obviously requires a mighty work of God. If He does not prove faithful on our behalf, there will be no way out of the agonizing dilemma. When our Lord is so clearly our only hope (and then He comes through faithfully), we again <b>grow</b> in a <b>deeper knowledge</b> of <b>Him</b> and <b>His ways</b>.</p>
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<div class="dbdbg_prayer">Dear Father of glory, help me to not shrink back in fear and doubt when You are conforming me to the death of Your Son. When everything looks like defeat and disaster, remind me to look to You to work out Your will, in spite of the evil intentions of foolish or godless people. When I am hanging helpless in the midst of crucifying circumstances, remind me to commit myself to You and Your great faithfulness. Lord, I want to know You more through any means You choose, Amen.</div></div></div>
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<div class="desc-center"><div class="pad2020"><a href="./devotions/daybyday/03/0322.html">Yesterday's Reading</a>
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<a href="./devotions/daybyday/03/0324.html">Tomorrow's Reading</a>
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