Easter…there’s always more!
While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them…What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?
The son of David,’ they replied.
Matthew 22:41-42
As I read this verse in my DAWG, I wondered how I would have answered Jesus’ question in that moment. And then I thought, what would be my answer today? Even the Pharisees got it right, but they did not get it completely right. I’m sure each of us could answer this question but whatever our answer is, there would always be more to it. This has been a week when I’ve been overwhelmed with the reality of all the implications of Christ having risen from the dead…our reason for celebrating Easter! And the one phrase that continued to come to my mind was “There is always more!”
There are so many realities and spiritual blessings because we are made right with God and I hope you will join FORGE men this weekend in thinking about what some of those are. Here is a short list that John Piper offered up; A savior who can never die again…Repentance from sin…New birth…Forgiveness of sin…The Holy Spirit…No condemnation for the elect…The Lord’s personal fellowship and protection…Proof of coming judgment…Salvation from the future wrath of God...Our own resurrection from the dead.
Maybe this will help you to think more deeply but I want to share with you what the Holy Spirit brought to my mind as a subject Jesus seems to speak about quite a bit.
Jesus said to them…I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
John 6:35
On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out…If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ Now this He said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
John 7:37-39
for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd to feed them, and will guide them to springs of the water of life.
Revelation 7:17
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his loyal love, and for the amazing things he has done for people! For he has satisfied those who thirst, and those who hunger he has filled with food.
They shall give thanks to the LORD for His mercy, And for His wonders to the sons of mankind! For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And He has filled the hungry soul with what is good.
Psalms 107:8-9
John Piper speaks about our “hunger and thirst” this way…By Grace through Faith, Christ alive in us becomes an inexhaustible fountain of satisfying life that lasts forever and leads us to heaven, and on the way sets us free from the sinful illusions of other satisfactions. This He does by sending us His Spirit!
That phrase, sets us free from the sinful illusions of other satisfactions, is so powerful. I’m so often seeking to satisfy my hunger and thirst in places other than the ALL Sufficiency of Jesus. But our good, good Father is faithful to forgive and to remind us of His Grace for us. When this reality sinks into my life, this is when I experience His presence more fully…real worship!
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe!
Hebrews 12:28
Give Credit to the LORD, O sons of the Mighty…
Give Credit to the LORD glory and strength.
Give Credit to the LORD the glory due His name;
Worship the LORD in the beauty and majesty of His holiness as the creator and source of holiness.
Psalms 29:1-2
Worshiping with my Forge Brothers this Easter…Kelley
