Resting In Grace Δείγμα

We’ve all encountered someone who later turned out to be much different than we originally thought. Maybe they presented as the perfect, compassionate friend only to turn on us when we didn’t meet their expectations. Or perhaps the opposite occurred and we assumed someone was shallow or selfish or irresponsible, only to discover, when life became hard, they showed themselves to be steady, present, and unshakable. 

For years, I did this to my husband, and it nearly destroyed our marriage. I misunderstood his provider and protector nature and assumed he loved his work more than he loved my daughter and me.

But then we went through a difficult financial period and I watched him sacrifice time, energy, sleep—everything—for us. His inner-hero emerged, eliminating all doubt regarding his heart and his love.

The cross has had the same effect on my view of Christ.

In Matthew chapter 26, shortly before His death, Jesus gathered His disciples close and explained to them all that was to come. “... One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me.” (v. 23, NLT). “For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago ...” (v. 24, NLT). What’s more, “... All of you will desert me.” (Mark 14:27a, NLT). He told them He was going to die but that He would also rise again, and through that, He and the Father would be glorified—it revealed His heart, His character, and His power.

This is what it means to be glorified, edoxasthē in the original Greek. It’s ascribing God His true value and recognizing or acknowledging Him for who He truly is and honoring Him in that. Through Christ’s horrific death, God the Father and God the Son received clear and immeasurable glory, casting a beam of truth and grace upon all mankind. 

And now that we’ve seen Him for who He truly is, He invites us to live in that truth. To live changed, for Christ’s grace and truth, when received, always lead to transformation, so that we too, His redeemed children, are revealed in how we live and love. 

Or to put is perhaps more simply: Jesus showed who He truly is and the depth of His love through sacrifice. I must do the same. 

What characteristics of Christ are you most thankful for? When you view Him in light of the cross, what characteristics come to mind?

~ Jennifer Slattery