Stunned. I have read this before. But, I never really soaked it in. This is Paul (the guy who killed Christ-followers, the guy who met Jesus on the road to D-town) who said this. I might be making a leap here. But, are we to have this same boldness? Or is it reserved for the few like Paul, Peter, John?
DARE I say "be imitators of Norm as I follow Christ." This is why I am stunned.... Imagine the weight of Christ's glory that resonates from this statement Paul makes. Imitate me... Follow me... Be like me... Because I am sold out to Jesus in every arena of my life. Because I am throwing myself to the feet and mercy of Christ the King. Because He is invading every corner of my life. Because i will die for Him or live sacrificially for Him. Because I am doing everything in my power to glorify Jesus with every waking breath of my life.
What?!? My eyes are flooded with tears waiting to leap down. There is only so much that I can do to hold them back. I think, "Christ, is every breath of mine glory in YOU?!? Does every muscle of mine scream to be used for your fame?!?! I want to tell people to imitate me as I imitate Christ?!?! But woe am I!!! A man who selfishly desires comfort, who desires the glitter of fame over the beauty of brokenness.
Thank you Christ for reconciling me to God. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! It is not by anything I have done, but YOU have paid it all. So i will rest in You! I will put my hope in YOU! I will rest myself in Your arms.... amen.
