Imagine a 19-year-old, bedridden and in the hospital, desperately in need of a heart transplant. News comes in of a donor heart, a perfect match. After successful surgery and several anxious months, it appears there will be no rejection. Then, months of grueling rehab and intense physical therapy, a healthy life now shines on the horizon. The future, something that can now be considered, is bright with the prospect of fulfilled dreams, made a reality by the ultimate sacrifice of another 19-year-old, an organ donor who died in a car accident. The years following will be with the ever-present knowledge that this life is at the terrible expense of another.
Thanks to modern medicine, and myriad highly skilled, dedicated and often unseen, professionals, these medical miracles can bring triumph out of tragedy. There are very moving stories of heart recipients meeting the family of the donor. Tears replace words as gratitude overwhelms speech. Several decades ago, this story would have ended very differently.
Jesus ‘donated’ his life on the cross that we might ‘receive’ his. It isn’t only a heart transplant that animates us today. “It is through him that we live and function and have our identity . . .” Acts 17:28, TPT. “My old identity has been co-crucified with Messiah and no longer lives; (for the nails of his cross crucified me with him). And now the essence of this new life is no longer mine, for the Anointed One lives his life through me – (we live in union as one!)” Galatians 2:20, TPT.
We are the recipients, not of a modern medical miracle, but a far greater, Plan ‘A’ Divine Miracle. The Apostle Paul goes on to say: “We have become His poetry (His workmanship, His masterpiece); . . . Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it.” Ephesians 2:10, TPT. And, unlike in the story above, we get to ‘meet’ not only the Father of the donor but the donor himself! It’s obvious, in Jesus’ eyes as he looks at us, he considers the sacrifice totally worthwhile. And we are speechless with gratitude, at his feet in worship. Our ‘in Jesus’ life holds promises and riches beyond description. Now that we live no longer ‘of the world,’ there is much to discover, much to enjoy, much newness to be cultivated.
This discovering, enjoying, cultivating is what takes up the rest of our lives as disciples, witnesses, of Jesus in the 21st Century. Ours is the ultimate rags to riches story. And isn’t it amazing that we bring nothing to this relationship except our willingness to surrender, to repent; and more amazing still, that we find peers, fellow travelers to the Father’s heart, with whom to be family, to share the ever-bounding provision of Abba? Speaking of that, looking forward to seeing y’all tomorrow, 10 AM, 3 PM UK, 4 PM, FR, ES. PD
