God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
A State of Emergency is declared when a governor or the President of the US believes a disaster has occurred or may be imminent that is severe enough to require State or federal aid to supplement local resources in preventing or alleviating damages, loss, hardship, or suffering. The declaration may suspend certain normal functions of government, may alert citizens to alter their normal behavior, or may authorize government agencies to implement emergency preparedness plans as well as to limit or suspend civil liberties and human rights.
After the sin of Adam and Eve, the Sovereign God declared a state of emergency because of the spiritual disaster that was unleashed upon the earth. This disaster was severe enough to require Jesus Christ to come to earth to prevent the eternal damnation of humanity. The declaration suspended God’s righteous judgment against sinful humanity and has been alerting us to alter our sinful behaviors to inherit eternal life.
Through Christ Jesus, all the resources of the heavenly realm have been mobilized to implement spiritual emergency preparedness predicated upon faith in Jesus Christ. Some people reject the Christian faith because they believe it limits their right to pursue the desires of their hearts. They reject the Bible as a set of antiquated rules they cannot obey. Yet they fail to realize the Bible is the manual that contains God’s emergency preparedness plans for the salvation of humanity.
In today’s text, we are reminded that God made him who had no sin to be sin for us. The only way the disaster of sin that was unleashed upon the earth could be averted was through the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only one who could alleviate the spiritual damages, loss, hardship, and suffering of humanity as a result of our disobedience. He changed our eternal destination and restored us to a right relationship with the Father.
To reject Jesus is to embrace spiritual chaos and forfeit God’s righteous spiritual emergency preparedness plan. For, “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among humanity by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus gave us the power and authority to neutralize the works of the prince of darkness so we can live in victory.
Through Jesus, believers live in victory over the tyranny of the rulers of darkness. Those who are in Christ are no longer living under a State of Emergency. Our sins have been forgiven and we are pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).
Because the State of Emergency has been lifted through faith in Jesus Christ, we no longer have to live in fear or succumb to the tricks of Satan and his demons. Instead, we are to stand firm in the faith, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Believers cannot be conformed to this world because it is still under a state of spiritual emergency.
As kingdom workers, believers are called to help administer spiritual aid to those who have been damaged by sin, have lost their way, or are suffering from spiritual alienation from God. The State of Emergency will only be lifted by God on the second coming of Jesus Christ. Then, the world we will see robbed in majesty and bow down before Him as the King of kings and Lord of Lords.
Until then, “let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-12). “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:22-25)
Questions for Personal Reflection
Where can people learn more about God’s emergency preparedness plans for humanity?
Why is it necessary to have faith in Jesus?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, I thank you for the gift of salvation through Christ Jesus. Please help me to remain obedience to your word and to feel the urgency to proclaim the name of Jesus to this sinful world.