36. Compelling…

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced, that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

The use of the word compel in the Corinthians verses conjures up an image for me of a rocket about to be launched. It is sitting in its dock and then the engines fire up and you get the flames, the drama, and then “Houston, we have lift off”. The rocket surges forward into the unknown by the thrust exerted on it by the firing engines.

It is so with Christ’s love. Strong, all encompassing, energic, absolute. When we encounter this love, we have no choice but to surge forward into the unknown days, weeks, years that God has ordained for us. Forward, ever forward.

Why are we compelled by this love that Jesus radiates from God? Because of the evidence we see of that love.

Jesus gave up his place next to God in heaven and became a tiny, innocent, vulnerable baby. He grew in Mary’s womb just like any other baby. He grew up just like any other person, undergoing the same struggles, temptations, battles for love of us.

He demonstrated his love for all humanity by healing, teaching, freeing those around him. Finally, he suffered the worst death of all, crucifixion, in order to take upon himself all the sin of the world – the sacrificial lamb, the scape-goat. And then, once and for all, breaking the power of Satan over us through his resurrection.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Hebrews 12:1

Picture the crowd at the Olympics urging you onwards as you run the marathon or the thousands lining the streets cheering the Tour de France cyclists as they peddle ever onwards across mountains and flats towards the triumphant end at the Champs Élysées.

Not only do we have God’s love compelling us forward but also the love of all the saints that have gone before us and are around us, our huge crowd of witnesses cheering us onward as we run the life race that is set for us by our loving God.

I don’t know about you but love like this will compel me anytime. I’m ready to be thrust forward by its power and strength into another day of service.

What about you?

Prayer: I am compelled by such great love that lays down its life for me. Your son, Jesus, went to the cross because you love me so much that you had to rescue me from the clutches of sin and restore me to my place as your precious daughter. Awesome love, majestic and sacrificial love.

Amen

Action: Today, don’t just walk out the door. Spend a few moments alone with God. Ask him to refuel you with love and then be thrust out the door compelled by that love in everything you do and say.

Journal your thoughts…