Friends From Out of Town.

Luke 9:30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. ESV

A few Sundays ago during the sermon on the Transfiguration of Jesus I found it interesting the subject that was discussed between Jesus, Moses and Elijah. We are not told what exactly the words used but it was about Jesus’ upcoming sacrifice for our sins. This, I suppose, is a natural subject since both Moses and Elijah looked forward to their Saviour and ours and what he would accomplish for us.

That is the golden thread from beginning to end in scripture. The entire reason for the second person of the Triune God incarnating was to give his life as a ransom. Years ago all churches except the very liberal or ones who should not be called churches had this as weekly fare. One could not leave worship without knowing how desperate his or her condition is without Jesus’ atoning sacrifice.

This all seems rather boring and passé to the modern mind. Minds condition by our culture to think that all we have to do is to muscle up against any difficulty and we can solve it. In the last election that was the recurring theme is how we can fix our country with enough effort. Certainly in the daily grind heroic efforts can result in progress. This is not only commendable but is indeed desirable. This however, will not work when it comes to our desperate condition in the sight of a holy God.

Matthew 5:48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. ESV

This is another summation of the laws requirements in a short sentence. Do you on your own effort want to fix your relationship with God? Very simple and easy to remember phrase covers it. All you have to do is never sin from the moment of conception forward till your death. What? Not so easy is it? No indeed it is not only not easy but it is impossible. So many will look at the Sermon on the Mount, out of which this phrase is taken, as marching orders to get right or remain right with God. Indeed much wisdom on how to carry on is found there. But this phrase does us in as far as God is concerned. This was Jesus’ other reason for coming was to fulfill in human flesh the requirements of the law. This active obedience accomplished for us the entire filling in all our law keeping requirements. There is no need to look at progress or lack thereof to know that we have forgiveness of sin and life everlasting. Jesus did the whole job of being right witht the law for us!

Thanks be to God. Amen