Dr H Reflections

The gladiator’s paycheck ∙

The gladiator’s paycheck ∙

Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God. – Luke 20:25

Matthew 22:15-22

15 The Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested.

16 They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites.

17 Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

18 But Jesus knew their evil motives. “You hypocrites!” he said. “Why are you trying to trap me?

19 Here, show me the coin used for the tax.” When they handed him a Roman coin,

20 he asked, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?”

21 “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

22 His reply amazed them, and they went away.

Constantius II was the son of Emperor Constantine the Great. After his father Constantine died in AD 337, Constantius II ascended to the throne and became Emperor at the age of 20. Constantius II was a devout follower of Arian Christianity and continued his father’s work to establish Christianity as the religion of the Roman Empire.

During his reign, Constantius II minted bronze coins. The coin came to be called the “Gladiator’s Paycheck.” They were used for everyday transactions as well as for the payment of wages. They were the “silver dollars” of their day.

On one side of the coin, a likeness of Emperor Constantius II was stamped. The other side depicted a struggle between two gladiators. One warrior is on horseback while the other raises his spear.

Surrounding this iconic scene is the Latin inscription: Happy Days are Here Again (Fel Temp Reparatio). It commemorated the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Rome.

REFLECT & PRAY

There are two important takeaways. “Obedience to God’s will is not compromised by letting Caesar have money which bears his name” (Bruce). There are limits on what belongs to Caesar. When conflicts arise, We must obey God rather than any human authority.

Acts 5:29 We must obey God rather than any human authority

Father I love You. I want my life to reflect my loyalty, devotion, and worship to You.

INSIGHT

Luke 20:25 Render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and render to God what belongs to God.

In His response, Lord Jesus Christ clearly states that there is a distinction between what belongs to civil government and what belongs to God’s realm. Both realms coexist. It is somewhat curious that the Lord Jesus Christ does not elaborate and specify what belongs to each realm.

Lord Jesus Christ, however, lays down a guiding principle for the conduct of the children of the King: we are to fulfill our obligations towards Caesar while also giving what is rightfully due to the Father.

The Greek verb apodidomi is translated as “render” or “give.” It signifies the act of giving back something to someone, implying the fulfillment of a rightful obligation. The recipient is entitled to receive it.

The entire conversation was a deliberate ruse, a trap designed to goad the Lord Jesus Christ into incriminating Himself and being branded an enemy of Rome. He quickly recognized their flattery and malicious motives. He replied with such keen insight and wisdom that His adversaries were stunned and speechless.

The Jewish people were under Roman authority and granted privileges and responsibilities. With one comes the other. Many were citizens of Rome. By accepting Caesar’s currency and using it in everyday life, they also accepted Caesar’s authority, binding themselves to Caesar’s right to impose taxes.

However, there’s a more significant question: What are the children of the King supposed to render to their King? The answer isn’t spelled out in the passage. First-century culture provides some insight. In the Roman Empire, citizenship was extremely important. Roman citizens were granted special privileges that were not available to those who lived in the Empire but were not citizens.

Philippians 3:20 We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.

The Greek word translated as “citizen” or “citizenship” is politeuma. Politeuma refers only to the people of Philippi, who were Roman citizens and benefited from all the rights and privileges that came with them. Additionally, as children of the King, they held dual citizenship – they were also citizens of heaven.

We do not owe the government the same allegiance we owe God. The Father alone is deserving of our worship and loyalty.

All that the Father has done for the children of the King was given because of His grace, mercy, kindness, and love. We could not earn our citizenship and adoption into His family; it is priceless. As such, we could never pay for it. Therefore, the Father freely gave us all our blessings without cost. We are not indebted to the Father for what He freely gave us.

What, then, do we render unto God?

We do not owe the Father anything. But because we love Him, we choose to render everythingto the Father. Our responsibilities are derived from our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 14:15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

1 John 5:1-3

1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too.

2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments.

3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.

We pledge our spiritual allegiance to Him: our love, loyalty, devotion, worship, and lives. This sacred resolution mirrors the commitment demonstrated by the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

The 56 signers of the Declaration made a solemn, bold, and courageous commitment when they added their signatures. “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

When children of the King genuinely love Him, we willingly give our lives to Him out of love, not because we owe an unmanageable debt. Our love for Him compels us to obey His commandments. We love Him because He first loved us, and this love should drive everything we do.

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Ungrateful grumblers and whiners ∙∙

Ungrateful grumblers and whiners ∙∙

Even if we butchered all our flocks and herds, would that satisfy them? Even if we caught all the fish in the sea, would that be enough? – Numbers 11:22

Numbers 11:1-11

1 Soon the people began to complain about their hardship, and the LORD heard everything they said. Then the LORD’s anger blazed against them, and he sent a fire to rage among them, and he destroyed some of the people in the outskirts of the camp.

2 Then the people screamed to Moses for help, and when he prayed to the LORD, the fire stopped.

4 Then the foreign rabble who were traveling with the Israelites began to crave the good things of Egypt. And the people of Israel also began to complain. “Oh, for some meat!” they exclaimed.

5 “We remember the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic we wanted.

6 But now our appetites are gone. All we ever see is this manna!”

7 The manna looked like small coriander seeds, and it was pale yellow like gum resin.

8 The people would go out and gather it from the ground. They made flour by grinding it with hand mills or pounding it in mortars. Then they boiled it in a pot and made it into flat cakes. These cakes tasted like pastries baked with olive oil.

9 The manna came down on the camp with the dew during the night.

10 Moses heard all the families standing in the doorways of their tents whining, and the LORD became extremely angry. Moses was also very aggravated.

11 And Moses said to the LORD, “Why are you treating me, your servant, so harshly? Have mercy on me! What did I do to deserve the burden of all these people?

How much does it take for people to have enough and be grateful?

When asked, “How much money is enough money?” John D. Rockefeller replied, “Just a little bit more.”

Rockefeller may ultimately be remembered primarily for the sheer magnitude of his wealth. In 1902, an audit revealed that Rockefeller was worth approximately $200 million – compared to the total national wealth of the United States that year of $101 billion. Rockefeller’s net worth during the final decades of his life would easily place him among the wealthiest individuals in history.

In many ways, Rockefeller reflects the inner desire and hunger in our own hearts, whether it’s directed at a specific goal or just a vague longing for “more.” However, the sad reality is that “more” is never enough.

There is a more excellent way. The Father does not merely want us to be grateful for what we have; He wants us to be grateful in all things.

Ephesians 5:20 Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

King David learned this lesson early in life and lived it. David gives us glimpses throughout the Psalms.

Psalms 73:25-28

25 Whom do I have in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.

26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

27 Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you.

28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

As we age, the vitality of youth often gives way to weariness and a loss of strength. Mobility becomes limited, and chronic pain and frustration may set in. It’s easy to lose heart, become discontented, and ultimately grow bitter. This can regrettably lead to a demanding and ungrateful spirit. We find ourselves complaining and resentful.

This downward cycle continues until the Father opens the eyes of our hearts to what we have become. More importantly, when we finally see this, we seek forgiveness by confessing our sins.

In the doldrums of our discontentment and resentment, we often hurt many others along the way, usually those closest to us. Therefore, our need for forgiveness is both vertical and horizontal. We must seek forgiveness from those we have hurt en route to despair.

REFLECT & PRAY

Desiring more isn’t inherently wrong. It all depends upon what we want. Wanting more of the Father is indeed an excellent pursuit.

Father how I long to possess the heart that David had, filled with immense love and devotion for You. I understand that nothing on this earth can satisfy me the way You can.

INSIGHT

Apparently, complaining became the national pastime for the children of Israel when they were in the wilderness. The more they complained, the more self-centered they became. They seemed never satisfied and always grumbled about the Father’s provision (Exodus 17:1-3). The Father sent manna from heaven (Exodus 16:4). Instead of rejoicing and being grateful for the Father’s provision, they wanted more. They pined for different food (Numbers 11:4). The children of Israel wanted something more, something better, something else, or even something they used to have (Numbers 11:4-6).

Psalms 16 is a very personal hymn of joy that focuses on the Father’s goodness. David finds his delight only in the Father and confesses that everything good in his life has come from Him. David expresses joy, praise, humility, and submission to the divine will.

David depended upon the Father to keep him safe. He needed the Father’s constant care and oversight of all the good things that the Father alone provided. For David, the Father was his highest good and greatest treasure.

Regrettably, our longing and hungry hearts take us on desperate, futile quests for satisfaction. David shows us a better way to live. Rather than wanting more things, such as wealth, power, recognition, etc., David found true contentment was not found “out there.” Instead, David learned the secret and joy of being at home in the Father’s presence.

More than that, David was genuinely delighted to be close to the Father. The source of David’s greatest joy was being with the Father.

Psalms 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalms 16:11 is unsurpassed for the beauty of the prospect it opens up, in words of the utmost simplicity. The path of life is so-called, not only because of its goal but because it is a way to live. It leads into God’s presence and eternity. The joys and pleasures David speaks of are wholly satisfying and endlessly varied. They are found in what the Father is and what the Father gives (Kidner).

The Hebrew term translated as “in your presence” is literally in your panim, “faces.” The sense is close proximity, companionship, care, and protection.

How can we ever find satisfaction? What is truly enough? When we learn the art of gratitude, we will be satisfied. The Father delights when the children of the King are content and offer Him grateful praise.

Isaiah 30:15 In quietness and trust is your strength.

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Bach is back ∙∙

Bach is back ∙∙

Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead. – Matthew 28:7

John 11:47-53

47 Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs.

48 If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.”

49 Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about!

50 You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.”

51 He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation.

52 And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world.

53 So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death.

Not long after his death, Johann Sebastian Bach was largely forgotten. His music and reputation fell into obscurity, known only to a handful of music experts.

In 1823 (or possibly 1824), Felix Mendelssohn’s grandmother, Bella Salomon, presented him with a gift that would alter the course of his life: a copyist’s manuscript score of J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. This was Mendelssohn’s first encounter with the total score. The St. Matthew Passion is one of Bach’s most profound, expansive, and fabulously conceived works. For Mendelssohn, it was nothing short of a revelation. Bach’s Passion is among the most deeply spiritual compositions ever written.

The score captivated Mendelssohn’s imagination, compelling him to ensure the entire St. Matthew Passion was performed. On March 11, 1829, Mendelssohn conducted it for the first time in a century.

Johann Sebastian Bach believed in the resurrection. In his Mass in B minor, the “Crucifixus” ends with low register voices symbolizing Christ’s descent into the grave, followed by a chorus that bursts forth in joy to represent the resurrection.

Johann Sebastian Bach, a child of the King, was resurrected to history by Felix Mendelssohn, another one of the Father’s children.

Every note Bach wrote was dedicated to Christ. Throughout his manuscripts, two cryptic abbreviations appear: “I.N.J.” for “In Nomine Jesu” (In the Name of Jesus) and “S.D.G.” for “Soli Deo Gloria” (Glory to God alone).

Some magnificent individuals have undoubtedly been inadvertently lost to history, only to be rediscovered and restored to their rightful place. For others, however, deliberate attempts were made to erase and destroy all traces of their lives and influence.

The resurrection of Johann Sebastian Bach is reminiscent of a far more critical resurrection.

REFLECT & PRAY

The word of God is filled with dramatic ironies.

Father thank You that your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the Resurrection and the Life.

INSIGHT

John 11 recounts the story of Lazarus’s death and his miraculous resurrection by the Lord Jesus Christ. This event marks the last and most incredible miracle that Jesus publicly performed during His time on Earth, serving as the climax of all the signs and wonders the apostle John presented to demonstrate who the Lord Jesus Christ was.

John 20:30-31

30 Therefore, many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;

31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

This miraculous resurrection led many Jewish people, including some of the leaders, to believe.

John 11:45 Therefore, many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what He had done, believed in Him.

Throughout history, jealousy, rivalry, ambition, the desire for control, blind spots, fear, disdain, ignorance, and outright hatred have driven people to commit vicious and atrocious acts against one another.

The Jewish leaders who did not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ grew even more alarmed. They were fearful and jealous of the potential repercussions this miracle worker might bring. Thus, they convened and deliberated, ultimately deciding to neutralize the threat He represented.

John 11:47-53

47 Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs.

48 If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.”

49 Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about!

50 You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.”

51 He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation.

52 And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world.

53 So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death.

This was utter madness. If the Lord Jesus Christ is the Resurrection and the Life, possessing the power to raise people from the dead, why would they believe they could kill Him and He would remain in the grave?

“Unbelief, however, cannot remain static any more than belief. By nature, it is progressive. The unbelief of the Jewish leaders had long ceased to be a polite incredulity of the claims of Jesus. His works were too numerous, too real, and too wonderful to be ignored or dismissed with contempt. Unbelief was compelled to declare its true nature, which was selfishness.”

“When Caiaphas said, ‘If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation,’ he conceded the cogency of Jesus’ arguments and the actuality of His miracles. On the other hand, he and the hierarchy feared risking the place of privilege and comfort that the Roman government, much as they hated it, had given them.”

“At the council following this miracle, there was a definite concerted agreement to dispose of Jesus by fair means or foul. The enmity which had made previous sporadic attempts to trap Him in speech or to capture Him now settled upon a policy of exterminating Him” (Tenney).

You know the rest of the story. He was arrested, tried, and, of course, found guilty. He was handed over to the Romans to be executed by crucifixion. He died and was buried. They believed they were done with Him once and for all. Indeed, they thought it was finished. Problem solved! But they did not account for the Resurrection.

After three days, He rose from the dead, appeared to many over a period of 40 days, and ascended to heaven. The Lord Jesus Christ was back!

Now, seated at the Father’s right hand, He will soon come back once again as Messiah and King of Israel. He will sit on the throne of David and rule and reign for a thousand years.

Come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20)!

“I. N. J.” – “In the Name of Jesus.”

“S. D. G.” – “Glory to God alone.”

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Have difficult circumstances defined you?

Have difficult circumstances defined you?

I have made you strong like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or a bronze wall. You will stand against the whole land – the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah.- Jeremiah 1:18

2 Thessalonians 3:3-5

3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

4 We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.

5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ.

Scientists are uncovering the secrets of the diabolical ironclad beetle (Phloeodes diabolicus). This variety of ironclad beetle has one of the toughest natural exoskeletons scientists have ever encountered. This beetle’s armor is almost uncrushable, capable of withstanding stomps and even being run over by a car.

The Air Force is funding research inspired by this beetle to create stronger, more durable materials. Close-up images reveal a jigsaw puzzle-like seam on its back, enabling it to support 39,000 times its body weight without being crushed. To put this in perspective, it is comparable to a 150-pound person surviving the seemingly crushing weight of over 7 million pounds.

Scientists have already developed a man-made version using fiber-reinforced plastics, which are stronger and more rigid than current aerospace materials (https://www.sciencenews.org/article/diabolical-ironclad-beetle-exoskeleton-armor-impossible-squish).

Reflect for a moment. This marvelous and intelligently designed extraordinary structure was conceived in the Father’s mind.

If He can create bugs that are incredibly pressure-resistant, can He not also strengthen the children of the King to endure the seemingly crushing challenges of life?

1 Corinthians 2:3-5

3 I came to you in weakness – timid and trembling.

4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.

5 I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

REFLECT & PRAY

“When God wants to do an impossible task, He takes an impossible man and crushes him” (Alan Redpath).

Father more and more, the dark days in which we live resemble those of the days of Noah. Draw me close to You and make me strong, resistant to being crushed.

INSIGHT

Times are tough. However, as children of the King, we do not have to let difficult circumstances define us. The Father can make His children more resilient than the formidable challenges they face.

Defiant rebellion against the Father and His truth is nothing new; it has happened throughout history. The first recorded instance of large numbers of people hardening their hearts against the Father was in the days of Noah.

Genesis 6:5 The LORD observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil.

It is no coincidence that the Lord Jesus Christ noted that just as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be when He returns to establish His kingdom.

Luke 17:26-27

26 And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man:

27 they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.

Sadly, people stubbornly choose to harden their hearts. It is especially tragic when this is true even for the children of the King.

Zechariah 7:11-12

11 But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears from hearing.

12 They made their hearts like flint so that they could not hear the law and the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets; therefore great wrath came from the LORD of hosts.

When stubborn people refuse to listen and harden their hearts like flint, the Father counters and responds decisively. He sought out a man whom He would toughen and make stronger than the obstinate, rebellious nation of Israel. The man was Ezekiel, whose name in Hebrew means “hardened by God.” He became an irresistible force capable of standing up to anyone.

The Father assures Ezekiel that he will be fully equipped to face and overcome the obstinate people of Israel. He strengthens Ezekiel, making him even harder than flint. Ezekiel will possess the physical, spiritual, and emotional resources necessary to meet the challenge of his assignment. It is already a done deal.

Ezekiel 3:9 I have made your forehead harder than flint – like diamond! So don’t be

afraid of them or fear their angry looks, even though they are rebels.

The Father strengthened Ezekiel, making him tough, resilient, and capable of facing all opposition. He hardened Ezekiel’s forehead, making it as unyielding as the hardest rock. The Hebrew word translated as flint or diamond is tsor. Tsor refers to a hard pebble or flint, perhaps obsidian.

The word picture of a forehead expresses determination or defiance. Ezekiel’s determination would not buckle when he confronts the rebellious house of Israel. Pause for a moment and visualize him challenging the opposition. Can you picture this God-prepared, hardened, invulnerable prophet standing up and saying, “Give me your best shot?” And then following up with, “Is that all you got?”

Ezekiel has all of the divine protection required to complete his assignment. He is tough-minded and laser-focused yet tenderhearted toward the Father.

Ezekiel’s assignment is to confront the rebellious nation of Israel. He has been appointed as a watchman.

Ezekiel 3:17 Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately.

Repentance and transformation are by no means guaranteed. The only certainty is that Father’s Words will be heard. In many ways, it is a thankless job.

Ezekiel 2:5 Whether they listen or refuse to listen – for remember, they are rebels – at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.

“The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it” (George Orwell).

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Carbon copies ∙∙

Carbon copies ∙∙

God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to be conformed to the image of his Son. – Romans 8:29

Philippians 3:7-14

7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.

8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ

9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.

10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,

14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The English language is full of words rooted in technologies that are no longer used. When we email others, we often utilize two such terms: cc and bcc. These abbreviations stand for carbon copy and blind carbon copy, respectively.

The terms ‘cc’ and ‘bcc’ have an interesting origin. They were derived from carbon paper, a thin sheet coated with a dark waxy pigment. This paper was placed between two blank sheets, with the bottom one receiving a ‘carbon’ copy of what was typed or written on the top. Originally, ‘blind carbon copies’ referred to copies that were made without the recipient’s knowledge that they were duplicates. With the advent of copy machines, carbon paper became obsolete.

Despite this, the terms cc and bcc persist in our email communications. When we want to email multiple recipients, we simply cc them. When we wish to keep the recipients anonymous, we bcc them.

Every child of the King is meant to become a carbon copy of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:29 God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to be conformed to the image of his Son.

Paul clearly articulates the Father’s plan and purpose in choosing us: we are to be conformed to the image of His Son.

REFLECT & PRAY

The very idea that fallen, ungodly people “should one day be transformed into the image of Christ by a miracle of grace is one of the most astounding truths of divine revelation” (MacDonald).

Father thank You for knowing all things in advance. You have been orchestrating my life from the beginning. You have clearly stated that You want me to become more and more like your Son. Please encourage me to cooperate.

INSIGHT

The Greek term rendered as “conformed” is summorphos. It conveys the idea of being similar in nature, essence, or form. It is derived from two Greek words: sun (with) and morphe (form). Literally, it means to have the same form as another. Paul’s intention is clear: we are to be similar in nature to the very essence of Christ. The phrase “to become like his Son” has been translated in various ways: “to be like his Son” (Goodspeed), “share the likeness of his Son” (Moffatt), and “conformed to the likeness of his Son” (Barclay).

We begin an eternal relationship with the living God when we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. The Father adopts us as His children into His Forever Family. This relationship was established not merely to grant us salvation and eternal life; His eternal purpose is to make us more like Himself. He is actively working to conform us to the image of Christ.

Some of us resist or ignore the Father’s plan, but doing so is a disservice to ourselves. The Father is performing spiritual heart surgery to make us more Christlike.

What does it mean to be conformed to the image of Christ?

It means to become more like the Lord Jesus Christ in our character, actions, and essence. This metamorphosis involves:

1. Inner Transformation: The Holy Spirit works within the children of the King to bring about spiritual renewal. He changes their hearts and minds, aligning their desires, thoughts, and values with Christ’s. This process is often called sanctification. We grow in holiness, righteousness, and purity.

2. Outward Expression: The Holy Spirit brings about a behavioral change. As children of the King, we grow in our faith, love, compassion, humility, and obedience. This inner transformation becomes evident in our actions, behaviors, and interactions with others.

3. Lifelong Process: The Holy Spirit brings about continuous growth. The changes are rarely instantaneous, but rather, they continue throughout the life of a child of the King. It begins at the moment of salvation and continues throughout our lives. Over time, we become more and more like Christ, reflecting his beauty, grace, and glory to all who come in contact with us.

Philippians 3:12-14

12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.

13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,

14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Paul acknowledges that he isn’t complete but is always striving ahead. He uses two vivid images to explain this:

1. Paul describes trying to grasp the purpose for which Christ has grasped him. When Christ stopped him on the Damascus road, Paul felt compelled to fulfill Christ’s vision for him. In doing so, he abandons his personal ambitions and goals. Christ grasps each child of the King for a purpose, so we must strive to fulfill it.

2. To achieve this, Paul says two things: he forgets what is behind him and reaches out to what is ahead. Reflecting on past achievements only leads to complacency. Instead, each child of the King should focus solely on the goal ahead, like a racer aiming for the finish line.

Paul emphasizes that the Christian life is like that of an athlete who is always pressing forward toward the goal (Barclay).

The Greek word translated as looking forward, straining forward, or reaching forward is epekteinomenos. Epekteinomenos (stretching myself out toward) is a metaphor with extraordinary vividness that envisions a runner leaning forward, sticking his neck out as he runs, leaning toward the goal. Epekteinomenosconnotes exerting the utmost energy and being single-minded, that is, laser-focused.

Romans 8:28-31

28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

29 God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son . . ..

31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?

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