For God’s glory and our joy.

Romans 14:12 So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. This verse starts with “So then” in the English translation. Consequently might another rendering, both of which communicates that what is to be said next follows the line of reasoning that has been established. In short, Paul has heard that some of them in the church have been judging the food and day choices of those who disagree with them. Who do they think they are? Are they God’s appointed judge of their brothers and sisters? Absolutely not! Jesus has been appointed Lord of all through His death and resurrection. Consequently, look to Jesus, and examine yourself! Each of us is going to give an account of his or her deeds to the Lord. What will you and I have to account for when Jesus returns? Every word and every deed will be accounted for. Either it was done by us in the flesh or it was done by Jesus in us. How can the difference be distinguished? Easy. The flesh is selfish and the why behind what was said and done was for self. That which was done by Jesus in us is characterized by love, what brings God glory in Christ and was in the highest good of others. Our account will be in truth because then we will see things as He sees them. As each word and deed is presented, I will say, “I did that for me.” or “Jesus, You did that in me for the glory of God.” Every self deed will be our loss. Wasted moments. We will see that all those deeds are taken away because of our union with Jesus. He will get the glory because of the power of His propitiation and His righteousness in judging those sins and exercising God’s zeal for justice and righteousness. Then the only deeds left will be those loving deeds which flowed out of His life in us through which He will receive the glory and we the reward of being united with His life. What hope we have in Jesus! Listen and be awestruck by the glory and beauty of what Paul wrote in Romans 8:31-34. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” Our judge is our Redeemer! Intercessor! Lord and Master. And if He is mine, He is also my brother’s and sister’s. This understanding that we are each to give an account to Jesus on that Great Day should powerfully motivate us to live to love with Jesus for the glory of God and for our greatest joy. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com