Awesome

The word "awesome" is tossed around a lot these days. When people talk about cars, films, or songs, somebody will say, “That’s awesome!”  The truth is that if we call earthly mundane things "awesome" and then call God "awesome" we diminish how truly "awesome" He is. A friend of mine has a rule in the house—the word "awesome" is reserved only for God – and I really do agree!

Trivialising God is no trivial matter. He is far more than a companion who will fit into our “buddy system” or a divine ATM responding to our impulses. Until we are stunned by the awesomeness of God, we will be way too impressed with ourselves and lose the joy of the privilege of being able to be part of the family of an "awesome" God.

A look at the Psalms puts it all in perspective. One psalmist declares, “For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth”  Whilst another Psalm commands: “Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your works!’ . . . Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men”  

What could be more awesome than the love that compelled Jesus to go to the cross for us? We should put Him in His proper place as the only One who is truly awesome, and praise God for His awesome work in our lives! 

My attention recently was caught by an advertising campaign slogan, it said, ‘Change your life today.’ That seems a bit dramatic. Is it really possible to have a personal revolution in a day? To be honest, there are not many things that cause a transformation in a day, but it could happen. We could meet an individual who changes our life forever. The love of our life! Love at first sight. 

For some people, their first encounter with the Lord Jesus changed them forever. His grace and love captured their hearts. The voice of God stirred their spirit and they became aware of their failings and sin. The feeling of guilt was crushing as they discovered how rebellious they were by nature and why life hurt so much. The outcomes and consequences of sins were devastating, but what blew them away was that 'Christ died for our sins'. He, the Holy Son of God paid in person the full price God required to clear the guilty and forgive the fallen.

The words of the Bible, despite being shocking in their starkness and truthfulness, ring true to reality and are in tune with the human conscience.  They may be blunt and basic but the honest truths of the Bible teach us of the wrong that is found in every human being: 

‘All have sinned’

‘The soul that sins shall die’

‘The wages of sin is death’ 

In supporting the claim that Jesus is the only means of rescue (salvation):

Jesus said ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life no one comes to the Father but by me’

'Neither is there salvation in any other' (only Jesus)

'Through this man (Jesus) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins'

What do we need to do to take advantage of God’s rescue plan – the answer is simple but true:

‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved'

'Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved'

'Repent and believe the gospel'

The truth is there!

The choice is will you and I  believe!

Life could be changed, in a moment! 

Now that is awesome!

Written by Peter Francis for Messages with Meaning (18/05/21) - Your542Day