Paul McKenzie

Memory Verse, Sunday, December 28, 2 Corinthians 5:10-13

Many put away all of their Christmas stuff after the New Year. I'm one of those who celebrates the "Twelve Days of Christmas", the traditional season that lasts until the "Epiphany" January 6, which closes the season by commemorating the revelation of Christ by the visit of the Magi.

I think this time last year I went through all of the Christian symbolism of the "Twelve Days of Christmas" in my devotionals. With 2 Corinthians 5, I'm thinking much more about the Longing to be out of this old clay jar and in the Presence of my Heavenly Father, thanking Him daily for the Reconciliation I've been graciously given through Christ.

That old clay jar has a little more reality this year, as tomorrow I'll be going for a procedure to make sure that there is still no more cancer in the old bladder. I was supposed to go two weeks ago, but bronchitis kept me from going. So pray that I'm clean!

I know that I am clean through Christ in my spirit, for through His work on the Cross I have been justified—that is "declared righteous"—for He paid my debt. It is very humbling to think about that, because I know how dirty I am, but the Holy Spirit is teaching me how to "put to death" the things of the flesh and to "put on the new man". The ten-cent word for that is "sanctification".

There is a light ready to burst out of this old clay pot, and put on the resurrection body. We won't be floating spirits in some nirvana, but spiritual beings with glorified bodies, serving God forever in the New Earth, according to Revelation. And there will be nations, cultures, and lands throughout that earth, bringing their "glory" into the New Jerusalem, where the Trinity will rule forever. And, the ten-cent word for that is "glorification".

So, already justified, continually being sanctified, and soon to be glorified, I get ready to worship today with my local church, I'll be keeping all of this in mind, and enjoy an oasis of heavenly fellowship, singing to my Lord, enjoying the company of the saints, and listening to words of wisdom from our Pastor. Then I will return home with my pretty wife and live a life reflecting the Lord.

And there is no greater joy than that.

Today if you hear His voice, harden not your heart.

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