Jesus Lives Not I

By Benjamin H. Liles

          I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. ~ Galatians 2:20, NKJV

          Who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. ~ Galatians 1:4

          When we come to Christ we're basically saying to Him, "I'm tired of living the way I have been. I want a new life. I need to stop living the way I have been." And that's what Paul is saying in these verses. Jesus Christ Himself said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will have life even if they die. And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26, Expanded Bible).

          It is through the power of Jesus Christ, who died on our behalf for us, that not only do we have eternal life, but that we no longer are under the power of sin and death. As a result, the life that Jesus lived now is ours. But it means getting out of the muck and mire of sin and death first. It's like realizing how far you are from your own father, wanting to be his servant rather than his child.

          And when he sees you coming home, he lavishes his love on you, gifting you with garments of life and taking away your garments of filth and shame (see Luke 15:20-24). Therefore, when we put off our old way of doing things and accept the best things the Father has for us, we walk in His power and in His might. There is no longer any defeat, shame or tears. We can walk in victory as Jesus conquered sin, death, and the grave.

          Father, take this life I live and crucify it in Your Son. I desire You and only You. I want His life living within me, being poured out as His was poured out on my behalf. I want to do the things He did. I want Your name lifted up, where when people turn to You they are healed. And I know it isn't anything I am doing, but what You do from within me to others. As Your Son Jesus said, "I do that which I see my Father doing" (see John 5:19). I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.