We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.
Romans 6:4-5 NIV
United With Him in Resurrection
A section of the US State Department’s webpage on the relationship between Canada and the US speaks about, among other things, opportunities for cross-border events: “Robust cultural exchanges between the United States and Canada this year have brought Alaskan artists to the Yukon, bridging the connection between these neighbouring communities; helping promote diversity through the participation of American musicians in Asian heritage celebrations in Canada; and facilitating knowledge exchange between Black history museum communities in the United States and Canada.”
***
Jesus laid down His life for us. He came into the world with one goal – to take upon Himself the punishment we deserve for our sin. What incredible love. No wonder the Bible tells us that at one point He set out resolutely for Jerusalem. He knew what lay ahead, and so, with resolve in His heart, He made His way there. It would have been so easy for Him to run the other way, like Jonah the prophet had. We all know the result of that attempt to flee from God’s purpose – the days in the belly of a great fish. Jesus, never disobedient to the will of His Father, set out for Jerusalem. We are called to just as resolutely be obedient to the will of God for our lives, knowing that the world will not appreciate us any more than it did Jesus. Romans 6:4-5 says: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.”
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley