Wednesday: Heavenly Evaluation
An evangelist once celebrated (perhaps bragged about) the attendance of quality upper-class people at his seminars. (One would hope he equally celebrated the attendance of the more ordinary
types, as well.)
Image © Standard Publishing from GoodSalt.com
With Christ, however, no class distinctions existed; no one was ordinary
; everyone was an exception. Not surprisingly, Jesus reached the masses with commonplace illustrations and straightforward speech. Nothing about His manner suggested that anyone was excluded from His concern. Modern disciple-makers must likewise carefully guard against giving the impression that they regard some more highly than they do others in terms of outreach.
Read Luke 12:6-7; 13:1-5; Matthew 6:25-30. What do these texts teach us about the worth of every person? Of course, it is easy for us to say that we believe this, but in what ways might we be guilty of harboring the kind of distinctions that the universality of the Cross has eradicated forever?
The cheapest birds in the marketplace were sparrows. Pairs could be purchased for an assarion, the smallest, least valuable copper coin. Nonetheless, commonplace, insignificant sparrows were not forgotten in heaven.
How much more is this the case with human beings, the ones for whom Christ died? Christ died for us, not for birds. The Cross proves, in ways that we cannot begin to fathom, the infinite worth
(to borrow from a phrase that Ellen G. White used a lot) of every human being, regardless of his or her status in life-a status that is often nothing more than a human concoction based on concepts and attributes that are meaningless in heaven, or even contrary to the very principles of heaven itself.
Ellen G. White wrote that Christ would have died for one soul in order that that one might live through the eternal ages.
–Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 73. One soul! Dwell on the implications of this incredible concept. How should this influence the ways in which we view not only others but ourselves, as well?
(23)
The Cross proves, in ways that we cannot begin to fathom, the infinite worth of every human being(mad people included). Regardless of his or her status in life-a status that is often nothing more than a human concoction based on concepts and attributes that are meaningless in heaven, or even contrary to the very principles of heaven itself.
The most important sacrifice of all,is the atonning blood of the Lamb. It shows the provision that Christ took in order "for all to come to the knowledge of JESUS."worthy,only is He.Last quarters study was on the sanctuary, it shows us that Christ not only is the high priest but also the altar,and the sacrifice. This is intercession at its finest. As s.d.a our mission is to tell the world that by faith we are dead to sin, by Christ work at calvary we are sanctified. Christ has justified us by acknowledging the light that He has bestowed upon all hose seeking to know his word, will, and way(acting on the written word). If the world could see the visible qualities of Christ being manifested by "us"then church would stop, and a sanctuary of healing and repairing lives to Christ would begin. Praise "God from whom all blessings flow" ma-diai Iesu
So many times as human beings we tend to get caught up in the wrong aspects of life. This lesson points out the heart of God which evaluates how he values each person. I'm so glad Christ died for all humanity and not for a select group of people. Thank you Jesus for not caring about my social status but for wanting me to have a closer walk with you, so that one day I may see you for myself!
Regardless who we are in the world, it is the relationship we have with Jesus that will save us. Whether rich or poor, bond or free. We all must stand before the judgment seat and give account for our sins. Rich and poor alike will go to heaven or hell. As you said, we are caught up in the wrong aspects of life. This work will be carried forward by men and women willing to be used by God
Am so grateful for the high value Jesus and all heaven place on just one soul! Its so amazing how much God loves us! Hosanna in the highest!!
I am grateful for Romans 8 v 1a: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.A great lesson , how I pray the Holy Spirit helps us so we desist from compartmentalizing people., something that our societies have passed down generation after generation. Often we'll look at the work someone is doing, and if they're doing a poor job, perhaps always making mistakes, then we view that person as of little value. But to Jesus we are all equally important.I am so grateful that God is impartial!!!!!!!
It seems to me that:
1. We are all worth the same since we were all bought with the same price.
2. Our value does not fluctuate with the market since the price has already been paid.
3. The price is so great that no-one could outbid God (as it were).
Thank God, heaven evaluates differently from earthly evaluation. Heaven sees us in one light - sinners (and when we repent, sinners saved by grace!) If we do not see ourselves as heaven sees us, we shall likewise perish.