A Turning Point

As the week following Charlie Kirk’s martyrdom unfolded, I became aware of many voices that arose in the Body of Christ. Among those voices I sensed a victim spirit operating. A victim spirit always demands justice and is self justified in doing so. Where in the Word does Jesus teach us to demand justice. That is not to say we cannot grieve, question, or even be angry - don’t sin in your anger.

If you read Hebrews chapter one, then Hebrews 2:1 makes serious sense to us. We are in a time and season where we must fix our eyes on Jesus and remind ourselves of all He taught and demonstrated.

Hebrews 2:1 Therefore, we must pay much more careful heed to the things we have heard, so that we will not drift away. 

STAYING FOCUSED ON JESUS

Romans 12 begins with this.

Romans 12:1-2 CJB - Complete Jewish Bible

v12 1 I exhort you, therefore, brothers, in view of God’s mercies, to offer yourselves as a sacrifice, living and set apart for God. This will please him; it is the logical “Temple worship” for you. 2 In other words, do not let yourselves be conformed to the standards of the ‘olam hazeh (world). Instead, keep letting yourselves be transformed by the renewing of your minds; so that you will know what God wants and will agree that what he wants is good, satisfying and able to succeed. 

BE BEING TRANSFORMED

This translation expresses the second part of verse 2 very well. The verb for transformed is in the present passive imperative tense. That means you, the subject of the sentence must receive the action of the verb. Who provides that transformation? The Holy Spirit and the Word of God. So “be being transformed by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.” Transformation never stops until we stand before our Lord at His judgment seat.  

If we don’t surrender to His Spirit and the Word of God, then we run the risk of doing what Hebrews 2:1 warns us not to do --drift away. What reward can one expect if one misses the mark set out by Christ?  

As sozo ministers, we must keep our eyes on Jesus and be aware of His Holy Spirit leading us. Without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5b). In Him, with Him, for Him and by Him, we can do all things! We are not victims. We are overcomers in this life. 

WHAT TRANSFORMATION BRINGS

As you read beyond Romans 12:1-2, you find the chapter full of what we, followers of Christ, are to be like. This is the standard from which we do not want to drift or compromise. The chapter ends with this:

Romans 12:18-21

18 If possible, and to the extent that it depends on you, live in peace with all people. 19 Never seek revenge, my friends; instead, leave that to God’s anger; for in the Tanakh it is written,

“Adonai says, ‘Vengeance is my responsibility; I will repay.’” 

20 On the contrary, 

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

For by doing this, you will heap

fiery coals [of shame] on his head.” 

21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good. CJB

Holy Spirit, help us all press into the Living Word and the Spirit of Jesus to be being transformed from fallen, broken human beings into the glorious likeness and image of God’s dear Son, Jesus the Messiah. It’s time for the Ecclesia of Jesus to rise and shine brightly! In Jesus’ name. AMEN.