Reflection on Romans 8:12-17
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.”16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans 8:12-17)
Reflected upon this passage during prayer meeting last Wednesday. I love the fact that the word of God is indeed alive and like a double edged sword; bringing correction and on the other hand dispelling the evil one. While reflecting on this passage, I could hear the Lord say “What are you obligated to”? I was then reminded of the verse in Songs of Songs where it said that “love is as strong as death”
Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. (Songs of Songs 6:8)
Human beings were created for a sense of obligation, a sense of longing and deep connection. The human nature is naturally led to the flesh. Believers must die to self which would create live in the Spirit. Our sense of obligation and natural leading is satisfied when we die to our human nature and transfer that obligated nature to a longing for a deeper live on the Spirit (God).
It has been a “painful” 2017 so far. Well, painful in a good way. Since the end of 2016, my prayer was simply: “God, just wreck me and make me like You”. Wow, indeed a radical prayer... Do I regret it? Maybe sometimes a little, but I know that pain is the representation of breakthrough. Well, Stephen in Acts suffered to see the “future glory” and had the joy of the Lord all over him. I’ve seen great breakthroughs in my lifestyle which impacts every area of my ministry. I guess if I want to be a more faithful witness, He has to break me from the inside out. All I can say now is “Do it Lord, I’m ready!”.
