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Thursday, April 12, 2007

"The Cure"

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"The Cure"

"God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21).

I took today's photo in an office foyer in Springfield, Missouri last year. It is one of four portraits that depict the various works of Christ. Astute Bible students will recognize the Biblical miracle being alluded to. These are original art works by Ron DiCianni and are outstanding to view in their original setting. As I recall they are about six feet wide.

Artwork and signs that convey thought-provoking messages always capture my attention, particularly those that have spiritual significance. I have often referred to these signs in this series and have periodically placed a photo up. I find these brief stimulating messages on church signs, barns, silos and on small road signs as I travel about our region. I passed a church sign that deeply touched my heart that read, "SIN IS THE DISEASE FOR WHICH CHRIST IS THE CURE." I memorized the saying years ago and continue to rejoice in this simple, yet profound expression of truth.

We are all afflicted with a spiritual disease that is deadly. The Bible says "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) and "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). In fact the apostle Paul describes our condition before spiritual conversion in Christ as being "dead in transgressions and sins" (Ephesians 2:1).

However most live life oblivious to this disease and its horrible consequences. But we see the effects of sin all around us from the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, Sudan, Venezuela and scores of other places to our own personal troubles. Indeed the human race is diseased, but the great message of Scripture in expressing God's redemptive plan is that there is a cure and the daily verse succinctly expresses this: "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, how thankful we are that Jesus, though pure and sinless, chose to be our sin substitute so that we might walk in Your righteousness. Words fail to fully express our thankfulness so we pray that our actions and attitudes will reveal how grateful we are for Your undeserved favor. Amen.

Note from Brooksyne: Speaking of church signs - We traveled to our chaplaincy workplaces yesterday and passed a church sign that read, "Prayer is the bridge between panic and peace." I thought of how many times I've found this short saying to be absolutely true in my life - particularly during those times when I panic first and pray secondly. I'm so glad that peace is just around the corner as I fall to my knees and trust God to work out the troublesome matters before me!

As I considered today's message many songs come to mind that reflect upon God's Gift to us. Here are several links to classics that I hope will bless you! These musicians take me back 25 to 30 years ago when I was a new believer.

"There Is A Redeemer" Keith Green (audio)

"To The King" Matthew Ward (audio)

"I See The Lord" Honeytree (audio)

Information about Ron DiCianni Here's a larger image of today's art.

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