Thursday, July 2, 2020

THE FOREVER DEGREE

In II Corinthians 5:20-21, we read: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

“You graduated from college? Where? When?” Grandfather held up his hand.

“Timmy? You know the answers.”

“I want Sam to hear. Especially your Forever Degree.”

“Oh. Got it.” Grandfather faced Sam. “BS in Biology, 1959. Masters in Biology in 1962,” he grinned. “Masters in Eternal Life--The Forever Degree. A work in progress.’ Sam’s eyes widened.

“Son, if the Lord Jesus loved me enough to leave heaven and come to earth as a man, that’s love. If He loves me enough to die on the cross with my sins nailing Him there, that’s amazing love. If He loves me enough to rise from the dead for me, that’s more than amazing love. But He didn’t stop there.”

“He didn’t?” Sam tilted his head, brow furrowed.

“Nope. He ascended into Heaven, presented His blood as a sacrifice to the Heavenly Father, who accepted it, and declared me, mind you, me, righteous.”

“But you didn’t do anything,” Sam whispered.

“Right. But He didn’t stop there.” Sam leaned forward on the sofa, elbows on his knees.

“When I confessed my sin to the Lord, He washed me clean, came to live in my heart, never to leave.”

“Wish he could love me but I’ve done some bad things.” Sam dipped his head.

“Good news, Sam, the Lord Jesus included you. But...”

“I knew there’d be a catch to it.”

Grandfather held up his hand, palm out. “He knows all about you and loves you. He wants you in His Master’s program--the Forever Degree--a work in progress. But He’s a gentleman and won’t force Himself on you.”

“Me? He loves me?” Grandfather nodded, pulled Sam into his arms.

Kingdom Thinking. I stand amazed when I realize what the Lord Jesus did for me. He promises never to leave nor forsake me. He loves me with an everlasting love. He promises the same to you. Please come.