Alive in the Living Room

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11

It’s dead but it’s in the living room.

It was staring at me yet it’s dead – an elk head. With eyes wide open and horns outstretched, the animal’s neck occupies the living room where I’m talking about Romans 6:11, “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

History tells us this elk was alive, then it was dead, then it looks like it’s alive but it is really dead. Thanks to the work of a seasoned taxidermist. So when it was alive, it went to being dead and stayed dead though it looks like alive.

Paul points to this taxidermy lesson –> dead to sin, alive in Christ.

You were dead and into sin, but when Jesus gave his life and died on the cross for you, you receive life and became dead to sin. Like the elk, you become dead…to sin. Unlike this elk, you don’t stay in death and you don’t look like alive, you are really alive…in Christ.

So each time you stare at that mirror, know that you are dead – to sin. Remember that you are alive – in Christ.

You are alive in the living room.

Focus

Soon afterward he journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. Luke 7:11-12

The camera was on him — Jesus.

Then, it was on her — the widow, whose only son is dead.

Both angles of the camera has multitudes.

Jesus was with his disciples and a large crowd was following him. The widow as well was with a large crowd from the city.

Both were traveling with large crowds. Yet, the camera zooms on our two protagonists. Thanks to Director Luke.

Luke makes you realize that Jesus should be zoomed out in your life. Your eyes and hearts should be focus on him. There maybe a large pile of life you may have. You have family to love and care for. You have chains of relationships. You have concerns in the office. You have service in the church. The large crowd is part of your life and the crowd only accompanies him. Jesus should take the center stage.

You focus on Jesus.

Luke also makes you realize how God’s eyes are on you as you travel in this life’s journey. You may be with a funeral of death or a parade of life, God’s cameras are zoomed into you. No matter how thick is the population he has created, his eyes rolls and looks for you. His heart goes after you especially in your lowest of lowest. When death comes to take life. When healing is postponed. When employment is not offered. When family is not one. He walks towards you. He walks to meet you, in your hurt, in your loneliness. His pupils have your face.

Jesus is focus on you.

Originally posted in September 17, 2011.