"Today's Devotion": (08/19/03) Compelled By Christ's Love

Read: II Corinthians 5:11-21 Psalm 51

COMPELLED BY CHRIST'S LOVE by Rev. Richard Boeck

"And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again."(IICor.5:15)

"Whatever compelled you to do that?" the angry father asked his teenaged son who had just been arrested for joyriding in a stolen car. "Whatever compelled you to do that?" cried the hurt spouse whose spouse was just caught cheating. "Whatever compelled you to do that?" asked the stupefied professor who just caught his best student stealing test answers from his office. "Whatever compelled you to do that?" wondered the incredulous employer whose loyal employee was charged with stealing millions of dollars from the company.

In a sin-filled world, it's not too difficult for us to relate to these situations. They're pretty common in our culture. Whether it's selfishness, greed, lust, despair, financial worries, or a myriad of other emotions and situations, any one of us could be hearing that same question asked of us because of our behavior. Sin builds a compulsion in us that looks out for "Number One" to the exclusion of anyone or anything else. It's what causes us to try to "hide" from our behavior, denying, even to ourselves, that we've done that which is wrong.

In Jesus Christ, however, we have an example of positive, loving compulsion for all the right reasons. Our Savior put His "self" aside and took the just punishment for our sins upon Himself. From Him we learn the true meaning of love and selflessness. As He went to the Cross, He set aside His own comfort, giving no thought to what was "fair." He gladly suffered God's full punishment of our sins for us. He experienced the death of total separation from God for us so we don't have to do so.

It's Jesus' example, after all, that compels us in our lives. Compelled by Christ's love for us, we live our lives for Him and to share Him with others. As we share the Good News of salvation in Christ alone, the Holy Spirit works faith that compels new brothers and sisters in Christ to live for Him. In the end, as we serve the Lord with gladness, there is no greater question we can be asked than, "Whatever compelled you to do that?" For the answer is Christ's love in me and my love for Him. Let's pray that the answer is so obvious that it leads them to Jesus' arms.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, as You gave Yourself for me, let me give myself for You. May my words and deeds shout loudly about what compels me, namely Your good and gracious love for me. Help me to reflect that love in all I do and say that others might be blessed by You through me and come to know You as their Lord and Savior who died for them and rose again. In Your precious name I pray. Amen.

--Pastor Boeck Copyright @2003. All rights reserved.

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