Murderer
1 John 3:15
Because I am an image bearer of God I have great value for Him. He cares a great deal about His image. In fact, He cares so much about it, that even though He loves us, He had to put us out of His presence. He took us, the most cherished bride to ever be loved, and locked us up. As an engaged man who loves His fiancé, to think of locking her up. Putting her in a place where we can’t have a relationship all because she failed to protect my image. Wow, that would mean I really took my image seriously. He did this so that His image wouldn’t be tainted. Because I was made in His image, that is the ability to reflect His glory, He takes the initiative in getting me to do so. He pursues me revealing His great love for me. His pursuit transforms me into the image of Christ.
I was locked up lacking the ability to reflect His glory. Then He paid for my freedom so that I would bring glory to His name. I see from John and Matthew that the biblical definition of murder is to live in such a way another is hindered from bearing the image of God. John says it this way, “Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don’t have eternal life within them.” The murderer keeps others from being Christ like. So that means whenever I sin in such a way that causes another to stumble, I have acted as a murderer in the eyes of God. This is shockingly true. I am so grateful God loves me and desires to bear His image through me. He is my value, my source of life.
God, your name means more to you than your feelings. You loved me so much you gave up our fellowship; even though it saddened you up to do so. I was ruined at birth when sin infected my members. Worthy of being thrown in the trash, yet you saw value. Thank you so much for redeeming me. Thank you for freeing me that I would enter into fellowship with you. May my life be used to bring others into your presence that you name will be lifted up. Amen!
Created about 2 years ago
