There was a time when the Word had not yet taken on flesh (Jn. 1:1), but we live on this side of the incarnation (Jn. 1:14). We live on this side of Jesus’ sacrifice. “By this will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all” (Heb. 10:10). Jesus is now victoriously sitting at the Father’s side “waiting until his enemies are made his footstool” (Heb. 10:12-13).

The good news is reason enough for us to always rejoice (Phil. 4:4). “When the doctrine is understood in the context of its dramatic narrative, we find ourselves dumbfounded by God’s grace in Jesus Christ, surrendering to doxology (praise). Far from masters, we are mastered; instead of seizing the truth, we are seized by it, captivated by God’s gift, to which we can only say, ‘Amen!’ and ‘Praise the Lord!'” (Michael Horton The Christian Faith, 22). When we realize what God has done for us, surely we can not help but joyfully worship. “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:36).

The great truths of God’s real work done for us are too great for us to understand. The more we seek to understand God’s magnificent acts, the more we “stand amazed in the presence of Jesus.” As we dive deeper into the Word, our hearts and minds are drawn higher to the Heavens. The opposite action will have the opposite effect on us. If we fail to meditate on God’s Gospel, then we will fail to appreciate what God has done. Instead of standing amazed in the presence of Jesus, we will be busy with things of this life. If we have little or shallow exposure to the Scriptures, then we will be drawn closer and closer to the earth and be blind to Heaven.

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call to him while he is near. Let the wicked one abandon his way and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, so he may have compassion on him and to our God, for he will freely forgive” (Isaiah 55:6-7).

D. L. D.