We’re at the end of a series based on the chorus of the song “Heaven came down.” We’ve been using the phrase found in the song, when at the Cross, as the launching point for each devotional. We noticed first how, thanks to the Cross we can be made whole, and that desire people have to find the answers to the questions of life can be satisfied by the salvation which Jesus offers.
On Tuesday we noticed how thanks to the blood of Jesus shed at the Cross, we can have our sins washed away. Yesterday we considered how, thanks to the cross, our night can be turned to day. Yesterday we looked at how it was that our Savior came to be on the Cross in the first place.
In this final devo of the series, let’s notice how, at the Cross, “glory filled our souls.”
What does that mean?
First of all, like so many of the expressions we’ve looked at this week, a little poetic license is being used. But when it comes to our salvation, the best way to describe that moment when we are freed from the shackles of sin is a feeling of euphoria. The newly-saved person may not look any physically different, but he likely feels different. There’s usually this feeling (which comes from a heart that understands what was done–in obedience to Christ–to be saved) of rebirth, to go along with the actual, spiritual “rebirth” the soul just underwent.
In other words, though the operation of God is a purely-spiritual one (Colossians 2:12), it still produces a physical response. The saved person is filled with joy (glory has filled his soul).
The question is “What will you DO with that feeling?”
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
Acts 4:20
A junkie on drugs experiences a temporary high. The drug causes a chemical change in the brain that blocks out all of the horrible side-effects. Those side-effects and after-effects aren’t felt until the high has worn off. When that happens the junkie feels horrible but he’s so in love with the temporary high that he endures it and just gets away from the pain by going back to the high. It’s a viscous cycle: At its core its a life of misery experienced in order to enjoy a moment of hollow pleasure.
The satisfaction that comes with your soul’s salvation, on the other hand, brings with it WONDERFUL after-effects. It gives a person a purpose. It gives someone something to live (and die) for. It makes you feel good all of the time.
If a junkie is willing to experience pain 90% of the time just to get back to that 10% good feeling, what should we be doing with the glory that fills our soul when we become a Christian? It gives us bliss 100% of the time. Shouldn’t we be trying to help others find that great feeling too? Shouldn’t we be doing everything in order to keep that wonderful feeling going?
Glory has filled your soul. You’re saved in Christ. Your life is made possible by the horrible and painful sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. Because of His agony we have bliss. What will you do with it?
Think about it,
have a great day!
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