So what now?

Remember the feeling of finally arriving at a goal for which you had been striving toward? Maybe it was enduring a long semester of schoolwork or passing a big test; completing a backyard project, closing out a season with a winning record, possibly paying off a debt. Whatever the accomplishment, it always feels so nice to be done! Of course, it isn’t long before that feeling is replaced with the inevitable question of, “Okay…so what now?” And there is almost always another semester, another vocational assignment, more ball to play, more financial responsibilities that arise…

Yesterday we celebrated the baptism of our middle child, Chandler. He and a couple of his buddies got dunked during our Sunday morning Easter service. There were many friends and family members present for the occasion. It was a precious moment to enjoy and one that we had been praying for and looking forward to for quite a while. Although we had been longing for such a day, it was a realized goal that was vastly different from any of the other accomplishments mentioned above. Sure my wife and I talked with Chan about his faith. We discussed baptism and what it represents. Yet to be clear, his profession of faith and obedience in baptism are not the achievements of his mom and dad. They are a testimony of the complete atoning work of Christ on the cross. Yesterday wasn't about something that we had done. Truly, it wasn't even about Chan and his friends. It was a time to praise God for what He has accomplished on our behalf.

Additionally, the baptismal waters do not represent some finish line. That is, I should not look to my wife and say, “Alright B, we did that. Two down, one to go (Brooks, our oldest was baptized a couple years ago). Now let’s get to work on our daughter and we might be able to retire early from this whole intentional parenting thing.” In fact, the truth is quite contrary. Our “work” as parents is just getting started. Daily we will have the opportunity to engage Chandler in his faith, remind him of the gospel that has saved him, and live before him in faithful accordance to what we profess to believe. We will never graduate beyond the gospel. We will never retire from the faith, but this is not to be burdensome. Rather, this is why it is indeed, GOOD NEWS!!

Big smiles as Chan was "baptized like we meant it!!"

Because salvation is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9), we can trust him to keep us (Philippians 1:6, John 10:27-29); for the One who justifies, also sanctifies (Romans 8:30). Therefore our focus is not to work in hopes of earning or maintaining our salvation, instead, we pursue Christ and chase after Him with all of our strength in full confidence that we are co-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17). Simply put, we obey because of the favor we've found, not because of a fear that we feel. Instead of dreading some toilsome task ahead, we excitedly respond to His grace with gratitude. We never retire, but then again, those in Christ would never want to! We don't worry about securing whatever is next, for we have all we need in Jesus. So then like anyone else, the redeemed soul will also ask, "So what now?" However, the gospel reminds us that the driving motivation behind the question is quite different from those without hope.

After the Easter holiday, perhaps you too are pondering such things. "Yesterday we celebrated the Risen Savior. What now?" Well, we continue doing the same. We remind ourselves and each other of the gospel. The One that knew no sin, became sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2nd Corinthians 5:21). Though there are many things we will work for in this life, our security in Christ, is not one of them. Many of our accomplishments in this world will simply reveal a new list of things to do upon completion, but in the finished work on Calvary, we find a place where our hearts can finally be at rest.

Look at John 20:31 when the beloved disciple explains the purpose of his Gopel, "But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name." See, belief is not the end; it is the beginning of new, transforming, eternal life! This new life means that we look not to our own good deeds, baptism, graduation, or a certain number of years in service to find acceptance. Rather, we look to the cross and acknowledge that Jesus has paid our debt in full and reconciled us to the Father. In fact, as Scripture promises, we have all we need for life and godliness (2nd Peter 1:3). The fact is this, Jesus' tomb remains empty and we remain unworthy... But God being rich in mercy, has loved us and shown us grace so that we might share His incredible love with others (Ephesians 2:4-7, 10). So then, let's make it personal for a moment and consider the following: In light of the hope of the gospel, what now?

I pray we come to a similar conclusion as the classic old hymn...

I love to tell the story,

for those who know it best

seem hungering and thirsting

to hear it like the rest,

And when in scenes of glory,

I sing the new, new song,

'twill be the old, old story,

that I have loved so long.

I love to tell the story,

'twill be my theme in glory,

 to tell the old, old story,

of Jesus and His love.

Might we not distance ourselves from God's good news of love and forgiveness, and may we never grow tired of the gospel that saves. May His love be our story, our hope, our motivation for righteous living, and our song - both now and forever.

matt@nbchurch.info     Twitter: @FattMowler     Facebook: TheFattMowler