Freedom giving paradox - Have you ever noticed how Jesus used paradox to communicate fundamental truth?
One of the greatest in my opinion is found a couple of times in Matthew (Matthew 10:39, 16:25):
"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." Matt 16:25(Niv)
Oddly enough, that mysterious paradox proves not only true for us, but Jesus gave it a huge exclamation point with His own life here on earth. From the beginning of His life to the end when He ascended into the clouds after His resurrection tour, Jesus gave His life over to the will of God the Father.
Jesus lived a life of total abandoment to the Father and the Father not only gave the Son life and the throne over all creation, He gives us life too.
Not just life, but freedom from fear, from death, and from sin that binds generation after generation. That paradox of losing our life to the will of the Lord showers us with peace, joy, and hope of exploring the mystery that is a God who loves us so much that He died for us taking upon Himself the punishment for our sins.
Just how wonderful and mysterious is that?
