Reign by receiving

EXHORTATION according to THE BOOK OF LIFE

Verse to meditate on

“And when Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, ‘It is finished.’ And he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

John 19:30

https://bible.com/bible/62/jhn.19.30.FMAR

REIGN BY RECEIVING

THE WORK DONE!

Beloved, you reign in daily life through Jesus Christ simply by receiving two things from Him: the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness (Rom. 5:17). God's way is not to achieve, but to receive. Yet many Christians continue to live based on the world's system of achievement.

The world's system of success rests on the two pillars of self-effort and diligence. The world tells you that the more you do, the harder you work, and the more hours you put in, the more successful you will be. The world's way is to push you to work harder, to forget to study God's Word, to spend less time with your family, and to spend more time at the office working nights, weekends, and holidays. I'm sure you've heard that you have to "pay the price"—after all, "no pain, no gain," right?

Yet, God's way is not for us to be blessed by our own efforts. You cannot earn God's blessings through your performance. God's blessings are based entirely on His grace. His blessings on your life are undeserved and unearned. In other words, there is nothing you can do to deserve His blessings, for they are based entirely on receiving Jesus and believing in His Name.

God wants you to stop trying to accomplish and start receiving the favor, blessings, and healing that Jesus accomplished for you on the cross. When He hung on the cross about two thousand years ago, He cried out with a loud voice, “It is finished.” Everything you and I need to reign in life was accomplished at Calvary on our behalf. That’s why we call what Jesus did on the cross His “finished work.” He finished it. He completed it. It’s done!

My friend, the only thing that works is the work done. So stop trying to do what’s already been done. Stop doing and start receiving what Jesus did. Stop striving and toiling to achieve your goals in your own strength and wisdom. Choose instead to see that Jesus has already finished the work. Everything you need in this life, He has already provided for you through the cross.

Rest in His undeserved favor and love for you.

Jesus beloved!