God made him who had no sin to be sin[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21
Jesus on the Cross courtesy of Rostislav Kralik
As I prepare my heart in the new year to bring unto you what words God has given me for my weary soul and yours, I have been struck by something I read in my Pastoral Counseling text.
John Kie Vining writes this in Soul Care, “Everyone kneels on equal ground at the altar.” I found that to be a profound statement.
If we were to unpack what is said there it would make for lengthy conversation, but what it says to me “off the cuff” is that we all need Jesus.
We are easily entangled into a web of comparison. My sin is better or worse than his or hers. I don’t deserve happiness because of my sin, and they must have done something great for God to bless them that way. Yes, my pastor is blessed because, well he or she is a pastor. I’m not a saint like them.
LIES. LIES. LIES!
Blessings do not come as an answer to someones works. They are a gift of God due to the work executed by Jesus Christ.
In Christ we are forgiven. In Christ we are redeemed. In Christ, we are holy. In Christ, we are fully accepted. In Christ we are given every spiritual blessing. Et cetera.
Left to our own works of righteousness, counted as filthy rags by God, we are all sinners in need of a Savior.
All of us have become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
Isaiah 64:6 NIV
As the New Year has dawned let us start out on equal footing and remain there. In a constant remembrance of a simple statement with profound wisdom.
Then remember your friend, your church, your pastor, your teacher, your mentor, your spouse, your children, your parents all kneel at the same altar.
And let us thank God that He knew our great need for Him alone.
Really y’all I’m just another Samaritan woman seeking living water and pouring out where I see need for encouragement. I am 48, mother to four girls ages 16-26, Gigi to the most handsome 2-year-old little boy, Fibromyalgia warrior, minister, writer, and a lifetime learner.
I am writing my first book, slowly but surely, six chapters in, as our blessed first love has called me to share His glory in my story. I feel lost in that familiar desert place, and thankful for the manna that is there miraculously every day. I am overcoming hour by hour the condemning voices of the enemy and learning to love myself. It has been an arduous journey. This wordsmith journey, but so worth it.
I became a licensed minister in 2010. However, I do not currently work in the ministry. I share Christ's love through devotional blogging. I have a degree in Church Ministry, was pursuing my degree in Christian Care and Counseling at Oral Roberts University, but now am pursuing Life Coaching, and Neurolinguistic Programming Master Practioner Certifications and a business license.
I am a certified women’s biblical counselor through the Extraordinary Women's program at Light University. I am working on their Addiction and Recovery program now too. Yes, I am a glutton for punishment with a wealth of life experiences with which I can minister comfort to others. I'm a lover of a good book, writing, singing, and music, and my nemesis is the perpetual laundry pile. Blessings to you and yours, <3Melinda
View all posts by Melinda
1 thought on “Moment with God: Altar Equality”
I needed these biblical truths today! Thank you, Melinda.
Another Samaritan Woman 
I needed these biblical truths today! Thank you, Melinda.