Even More on Resurrection and Sanctification

Day By Day By Grace

Bob Hoekstra

March 23, 2010


That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the
fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.
(Philippians 3:10)

Paul's all-consuming passion was "that I may know Him." This verse does
not list four matters for which Paul sought an acquaintanceship (a
knowledge of God, resurrection power, a fellowship in Christ's
sufferings, and conformity to His death). Rather, it points out one
great quest (a knowledge of God) and three different arenas in which
that knowledge could grow (resurrection power, a fellowship in Christ's
sufferings, and conformity to His death). We saw in our last meditation
how resurrection power and suffering can increase our knowing of the
Lord. Now, we add another amazing aspect to a growing acquaintanceship
with Jesus: "being conformed to His death."

There were some unique aspects to the death of Christ upon the cross
(for example, His atonement for sins). However, there were other
aspects of His death that God wants to repeat in our lives. As Jesus
was placed upon the cross, it looked like defeat. It seemed to be the
greatest wrong that man could ever do. Yet, God was working out His
sovereign purposes. "Him, being delivered by the determined counsel and
foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified,
and put to death" (Acts 2:23). At times, we are placed in situations
that seem certain to lead to a deadly defeat. Yet, the Lord is
unfolding His sovereign plan for us. In taking us through such
impossibilities (and turning apparent defeat into victory), the Lord is
allowing us to become more acquainted with Him and His ways.

When Jesus was dying, He hung helpless upon the tree. He entrusted
Himself into the hands of His Father. "Father, into Your hands I commit
My spirit" (Luke 23:46). The Father would have to prove faithful, if
Jesus were to come forth from the grave. "Christ was raised from the
dead by the glory of the Father" (Romans 6:4). At times, we are in
circumstances that are personally crucifying. We are in situations
where everything so obviously requires a mighty work of God. If He does
not prove faithful on our behalf, there will be no way out of the
agonizing dilemma. When our Lord is so clearly our only hope (and then
He comes through faithfully), we again grow in a deeper knowledge of
Him and His ways.

Dear Father of glory, help me to not shrink back in fear and doubt when
You are conforming me to the death of Your Son. When everything looks
like defeat and disaster, remind me to look to You to work out Your
will, in spite of the evil intentions of foolish or godless people.
When I am hanging helpless in the midst of crucifying circumstances,
remind me to commit myself to You and Your great faithfulness. Lord, I
want to know You more through any means You choose, Amen.