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Isaiah 54:17 (NLT)

“But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD; their vindication will come from me. I, the LORD, have spoken! “

This Scripture is cock full of benefits for those who serve God. The entire chapter is full of benefits that those who know God and serve Him will receive. After all, God would not go back on His word. Here are just a few . . .

  • :4 Fear not, you will no longer live in shame.
  • :5 Your Creator will be your husband. He is your Redeemer.
  • :6 The LORD has called you back from your grief.
  • :11 I will rebuild you . . .
  • :13 I will teach all your children and they will enjoy great peace.
  • :14 You will be secure under a government that is just and fair. Your enemies will stay far away. You will live in peace, and terror will not come near.
  • :15 Whoever attacks you will not go down in defeat.
  • :17 No weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you.

Benefits are of no benefit when we don’t know we have them. A benefit statement is essential when introducing people to a service or product. Consumers want to know what they are getting . . . or  getting themselves into. A consumer deserves to know what he will receive for the cost he is paying. And yet the value of what a consumer buys fades over time.

But in Christ, we have not given anything and never could purchase such benefits. Yet God, Who is rich in mercy, freely offers benefits to His children. And God’s salvation, the most expensive gift of all, is given freely and never fades. Why would God freely give away something so costly, along with incredible benefits that nothing in this world could compare with?

He loves us so very much. He gives good gifts to His children. He shares the benefits with us to help us see what a relationship with Him is like in a world that distracts us from truth. And while we could never pay for such benefits, there is a cost to follow Christ. Ah! I an  hear some of you say . . . I knew there was a hitch!

But this cost is not like the world’s costs. The costs we pay set us free from self so we can truly enjoy the abundant life Christ promises.

Faith in Christ is about so much more than a costs/benefits analysis. It is about knowing the One Who loves us more than anyone ever could. The One Who made us and died for our sins.

Maybe you are reading this and have not yet decided whether you want to follow Jesus. You might like the benefits but you don’t want to have to live differently. A true cost/benefits analysis will show that there is no comparison between the world’s offering and God’s. You were made for so much more, friend. You were made to know God. He loves you so very much. And a relationship with God is about so much more than benefits. As Easter approaches this coming Sunday, may I extend an invitation to you to be born again. Just come as you are and ask God to show you your sin then ask Him to help you believe. You can be saved today. It was over 30 years ago that I saw my need of Christ and asked to be saved. I will never be the same! What is hard to understand God can make clear if we ask Him.

I pray that all who read this will see their need of God and even for those who have known Christ, that God will refresh you with his presence. Our God is alive! He is risen! May we pursue Him not for the benefits, though living with Him for eternity is our greatest hope. May we pursue Him because He pursued us first and He is the greatest love of our lives.

If you have come to know Christ, I would love to hear about it. Or if you have questions, I would love to help introduce you to what it means to know Jesus. God bless you, friends!

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