What Is More Energizing Than Eternal Life?

This week's devotion is authored by James Blake, prayer co-coordinator for our ministry expansion campaign.

“We must bring our everyday life up to the standard revealed to us on the mountaintop when we were there…We must learn to live in the ordinary 'gray' day according to what we saw on the mountain.” Oswald Chambers

"For the death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives He lives to God.  So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:10-11).

Think of that Easter boost and spring energy you have felt for the past three weeks. May it remain with us as we realize that Jesus is eternal life exhibited on the human level. And being created in His image, we gratefully experience this unspeakable joy, this redeeming gift of God (Genesis 1:27; 1 Peter 1:8).

It is appropriate to be both peaceful and energized by the sudden knowledge and acceptance of the eternal life that has already begun for you. It is a perspective like no other. It is what allows us to live in two kingdoms without fear, shame, and regret. Again, it is okay to be excited — hallelujah!

Yet sin has the tendency to linger; it is tremendously hard to stay dead. Therefore, numerous warnings in scripture live as our encouragement to keep a careful watch (1 Peter 4:7; Mark 13:32–33; 1 Corinthians 10:12; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Matthew 26:4).

"But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36).

“If you neglect a careful watch, you will certainly enter into temptation, and just as certainly fall into sin. Do not flatter yourselves: ‘Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.’ Past grace received will not preserve you from evil; you must stand upon your watch.”¹

So we are invigorated and awake. We are prepared and ready for the world’s battles. Our faith is active, with a fitness routine, and importantly, there are no spiritual days off. Live every moment in the Spirit you felt when you first recognized your life was eternal. What is more energizing than that?

¹Owen, John. Voices from the Past; Works (Vol. 1, pp. 149-150)

I know that my Redeemer lives;

What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

He lives, He lives, who once was dead;

He lives, my ever-living head.

He lives triumphant from the grave;

He lives eternally to save;

He lives all-glorious in the sky;

He lives exalted there on high.

He lives and grants me daily breath;

He lives, and I shall conquer death;

He lives my mansion to prepare;

He lives to bring me safely there. 

I Know That My Redeemer Lives, LSB Hymn 461

Stanzas 1,2, and 7

About Mindful Monday Devotions

In our season of celebration with Tell the Wonders He Has Done, we continue in our prayerful focus as we look to the months and years ahead with thanksgiving. Join us as we remain in God's strong Word each Monday morning.