Experience the Restoration of Jesus

Photo by Greg Johnston

Scripture: Titus 2:14

who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Insights: The purification process is not pleasant.  In fact, it hurts a lot.  The imagery is that of a precious metal like silver or gold being purified.  The metal worker would heat the raw material and bring it to a liquid state.  The dross would float to the top and the metal worker would scrap it off.  The way the story goes, if it is true I am uncertain, but the metal worker would know he had gotten to the pure silver and gold when he would look into the extremely hot liquid and see his own reflection.  As long as there were impurities in the metal they would prevent the reflection from happening.  Taking this imagery to Jesus’ work in our lives is that He is removing our dross of sin and He knows when He has purified us because He sees His reflection in us.  There is another part of this refining process that today’s verse points to and that is the good deeds.  Notice how Paul described our good deeds to Titus.  He said that one who is being purified by Jesus would be zealous for good deeds.  We don’t use that word zealous a lot in today’s modern language.  Rather we use the word excited.  When I use the word zealous or excited I am not talking about a crazy lunatic who is running around out of control.  I am, however, referencing some genuine energy about one’s life in Christ.  Does our face show we have been redeemed?  Does our speech reflect we have been redeemed?  Do our actions reflect we have been redeemed?  The answer ought to be a resounding yes.  Jesus is changing us into His image.  He desires for all to come to a saving knowledge of Himself.  He was the greatest communicator of truth who ever lived; and if we are becoming more like Him, then we are going to share Him.  We are going to be excited.  Beloved, let the transforming work of Christ purify your life and then be the greatest spokesperson you can be for Him.  Let Him become famous to all those around you.

Questions:

1. In what ways has Jesus purified you in recent days?

2. How has this purification process affected the way you live life?

Prayer: Father, I do not like to be disciplined, but I do want to be more like Jesus.  Humble me through Your gracious and correcting hand.  Transform me through Your discipline and let Jesus shine in my life.  Amen.

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