Do ostriches stick their heads in the sand?* I’ve heard so . . . but that seems like a terrible predicament. Besides a very strange site – butts up and no heads, it doesn’t seem safe. Particularly, if seeking protection from a threat. Actually, it’s silly. Really, the unthinkable response.
Our Terrible Predicament
Much like an ostrich,* we have a predicament. Frankly, it’s rather serious with terrible implications. Realistically, no one is exempt. Shockingly, people live in this terrible condition but don’t think about it much. Yet, to not think about it is naïve – like sticking your head in the sand, ostrich-style.*
Frankly. we know living in a broken world has many threatening conditions –
- Tragedy.
- Loss.
- Disappointment.
- Betrayal.
- War.
- Conflict and disunity.
- Overwhelming responsibilities.
- Also, betrayal.
- Disease – sometimes we win that fight. Sometimes we don’t.
- Ultimately, death.
Tragically, those threats seem to be part of “just another day.”
Each Day
Indeed, this is how we live each day.
What a disappointing and precarious reality. Plus, exhausting. Instinctively, we know there’s more to life than just existing. However, we don’t handle threats well. Head in the sand.
But the real problem beyond our daily lives – we haven’t even mentioned yet. Incidentally, it’s serious! “. . . flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.” (1 Cor. 15:50)
What does that mean? Afterall, I’m flesh and blood. How about you?
Essentially, each person is in this terrible predicament. Simply, no amount of –
- Doing.
- Becoming.
- Research.
- Discovery.
- Personal growth.
- Feeling bad.
- Investing in others.
- Engaging change.
None of those things opens Heaven’s door. Eph. 2:9 says the way out of this terrible predicament is not works. Plainly, it’s only faith in the grace of Jesus. He did all the work for salvation (opening Heaven’s door).
Necessarily, your work is to know God and serve Him each day.
Frankly, we’re still back to – “flesh and blood cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
The KEY
You must be born of God’s Spirit through Christ. The transition of perishable (life – then death, and there’s nothing you can do about it) back into imperishable (life – death – then resurrection) comes from an important KEY. (1 Cor. 15)
A Few Definitions
Perishable is your mortality – subject to death. Equally, imperishable is spiritual – immortal – living forever.
How did these two things become separate conditions? Further, how did they end up at odds with each other?
Well, the unthinkable happened. Tragically, the exquisite human design God created became trapped in the “temporary physical.” Perhaps a bit like a quantum alternate reality or a rift in space. What a dilemma!
Frankly, we’re all trapped in this impossible situation.
The KEY is that God stepped in and did the unthinkable.
God Did The Unthinkable
Truthfully, and you can’t ignore this (like an ostrich,* sticking your head in the sand).
When humanity turned from God’s original design and sinned, our dilemma started.
Thankfully, God is full of compassion. Plus, He’s all-wise. Remarkably, when He saw our dilemma – the ripping of imperishable away from His original design of human fabric – He did something about it.
The frayed, shredded human remnant pierced God’s great heart. Scripture says God’s deep love for mankind caused Him to send Jesus – to do the unthinkable.
Amazingly, Jesus was commissioned to fix this dismal incompatibility. So, how did He blend oil and water? Drive a square peg into a round hole? Reconcile the perishable with imperishable?
Through Jesus, God did the unthinkable.
Unspeakable Gift
There’s an “unspeakable gift” God has given you and me.
“Thanks be to God for His unspeakable [unthinkable] gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15) Simply, the grace of God.
NEVER has God buried His head in the sand. Rather, He grieved the waywardness of His precious, created children with an action plan. Interestingly, a plan established before He created anything.
In other words, God came into our human debacle with eyes wide open – and with an incredible solution. Plus, with unmatched power, wisdom, and love for humanity.
Through Christ, God did the unthinkable.
Jesus And The Unthinkable
Jesus accomplished the unthinkable. He brought both natures together in Himself.
- Perishable and imperishable,
- Physical and spiritual.
- Mortal and immortal.
- Man and God.
Necessarily, Jesus became the first and only God-man. He literally wove flesh back into the original human cloth.
Jesus made it possible to live eternally again, in intimate fellowship with God. Yes, through Him, God did the unthinkable.
How Did Jesus Do The Unthinkable?
Jesus accomplished this through three approaches:
He re-made human design through redemption. Now, by your response to Christ, you partner with Him to re-establish dependence on God. Of course, this involves repentance and agreeing with God. Further, it’s your decision, alone, to align your life with God.- Remarkably, Jesus became the perfect human to model how to live completely dependent on God. Now, you can follow His impeccable example.
- Jesus also breathed fresh life into humanity. Indeed, you can walk through doors Jesus opened into –
-
- Dependence on God.
- Fresh, purposeful life.
- Eternal joys of Heaven.
-
Whether life is ordinary and uneventful – or filled with suffering and troubles – Jesus does the unthinkable. He intervenes and helps. He purchased humanity to again be united with God – through His own human life – death – resurrection.
This topic should never get old to you. Actually, if it does, chances are – you likely have your head buried in the sand.
Through Jesus, God did the unthinkable.
Enemies Of The Unthinkable
Additionally, Jesus overcame all enemies of humanity. Let’s look at the list:
- Death.
- Sickness and disease.
- Many kinds of sufferings.
- Sin.
- Shame of conscience.
- Bondage.
- Power of evil.
- Condemnation of the law.
- Fear.
- Deception.
- Pride.
- The devil, himself.
Yes, Jesus addressed and subdued all enemies through His cross and empty tomb. He took the sting out of our terrible fallen predicament – perishable. Miraculously, He restored things to His original design – imperishable.
Remarkably, Jesus conquered all your enemies – those “big threats” in your daily life and eternal destination.
Jesus Is Making All Things New
Of course, life is still pretty hard some days. People still fight daily battles as they wait for Christ’s return. It’s not over yet – but it’s certainly coming!
Actually, the end may be sooner than we think. Jesus is coming back to resolve your faithful waiting. In fact, He promises to fulfill all hope because He is making everything new. (Rev. 21:5) With a “present tense” commitment, who hopes for what they already have. (Rom. 8:24)
Jesus formed His beloved human race with His own hands from the earth. Further, He breathed His own eternal breath into mankind. Thankfully, His purpose is to redeem you, me – any who believe on Him.
Jesus makes everything new each day – a fresh life – if you are willing to receive.
Great Action Steps
Since this is all true,
- “Stand firm.
- Let nothing move you.
- Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because . . .
- You know your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Cor. 15:58)
- Get into your Bible.
- Talk with God through your day.
- Continually, be grateful that Jesus mended the fabric of your beautiful life.
How you choose to live each day matters! When you rise above current norms and sinful patterns (perishable human nature) by following Jesus, you also gain an Alive and Active Life (imperishable)!
Since God did the unthinkable, it’s your turn to respond.
Partner With God. You Can Do This! **
** These are tag lines of Alive and Active Life Ministry.
Closing Prayer
I don’t usually do this, but I’d like to pray now to thank God for His “unspeakable gift.” Please pray with me.
“Lord, it’s unbelievable what You’ve done to redeem humanity. From perishable to imperishable. Preserving Your original purpose for my life. Thank You for this hope. Help me utterly depend on Father, like You did. Breath fresh new life into me daily. I love You! Thank You for doing the unthinkable!”
Before we explore application thoughts and questions –
Application Thoughts And Questions
Have you ever stuck your head in the sand like an ostrich in some specific issue?- Have you faced your terrible predicament and received Christ’s provision to become utterly dependent on God? Further, have you let Jesus breathe fresh new life into your perishable condition so you can be imperishable?
- Are you truly grateful for the “unspeakable gift” from Jesus? Do you thank Him regularly?
- What specific things can you do to partner with God since He wants to do the unthinkable in your life?
- How can you help others who need hope?
- *FYI – Ostriches do not bury their head in the sand. They lay on the ground and play dead!
For Your Quiet Time
* Portions of this content come from my book – e-Pistles For An i-Generation: Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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