anything for Jesus

so i think about language more than most. it's a weird thing for me, being an engineer, but the nuance that can go into and come out of words fascinates me, often too much. but this time it led to something awesome.

i was reading a really inspiring story today, which i would encourage you all to think over. the thing that really caught me, though, was one thing that jp mentions at the end: "i will give up sleep for Jesus any time."

now to most of us, the meaning is simple. he was giving up his sleep in order to serve God, "for Jesus" meaning "for the sake of Jesus". what got me thinking is that this same phrase can mean something else, especially when used for our Savior. giving up something "for Jesus" can also mean to give it up in order to gain Jesus, to trade what you're giving up in order to gain more of Christ. and, in a very real sense, he gave up his sleep so that He would gain more of Jesus.

what would you give up to gain more Christ? what will you?

separation

-in creation, God separates the light from the dark, the waters with an expanse, and the seas from the dry land.

-the most holy place, where God's glory dwelt of old, was separated from everything by a veil.

-over and over, God calls israel to be separated from the nations, and to separate themselves from all uncleanliness.

-Jesus says that in the end He will separate people like sheep from goats.



i think we've forgotten what it means that God's people are to be separate from the rest.