Reminders

Psalm 103:2-5
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

It’s verses like this that really get me fired up. Would you like to know why? Because we are constantly forgetting all of these things. We’re so busy reminding ourselves of the laws and rules that have been established that we completely forget about the benefits of being children of God! That’s right, not servants or slaves: CHILDREN! We are heirs to His throne, in Christ (Romans 8:17), who is the fulfillment of the law and the end of its authority over us (Romans 10:4).

Because these things are true, we are the beneficiaries of His will. We know, from our own society, that in order to be a beneficiary, someone must have died. In this case, that someone was Jesus Christ. He died our death on the cross and bequeathed to us all that the Father had written in His will.

It seems that all too often we act as though we’re confused about God’s will for our lives. We pray words like, “Lord, if You’re willing...” as if God isn’t willing. Folks, we’re talking about a God who chose to sacrifice Himself to restore our relationship with Him. We should never have to question whether or not He is willing! We’ve seen His willingness demonstrated in every aspect of Jesus’ life. He healed (Matthew 8:3), raised from the dead (John 11:43-44), and prospered the people (John 6:10-13). Christ’s own words are “I came that they may have life...” (John 10:10).

This is where we need the preaching in our lives: a daily, hourly, even moment-by-moment reminder that we are heirs to all the benefits of God! We don’t need to hear reminders of how sinful we are. We don’t need to hear messages about how to get back on the right track. We need to be constantly reminded of what Jesus did, who He is, and what He gave us!

This is the Gospel that gives the peace that Jesus spoke of (John 14:27), not as this world gives, but as a gracious and loving Savior gives: freely! The world expects work in order to receive redemption. The world expects work in order to provide a pay check and a roof. The world expects an apology before it considers forgiveness. Jesus, my Jesus, the Savior born on Christmas day, expects nothing.

Freely He gives. He forgave all of our sins, removed all guilt, and took all of our punishment. He continually heals all of our diseases. He saves us from destruction, while imparting grace and favor in our lives. He is our source of nutrition and our provider. He renews our strength.

Don’t forget these things; they are the fertilizer of faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)! Faith isn’t works, actions, or a feeling. Faith, as Joseph Prince says, is simply having a good opinion of God. Well, friends, these verses should pretty much solidify a good opinion of God. He gives all and asks nothing in return!