A Branded Heart Part 2 - Daily Devotional September 5th 2009

Daily Bible Reading - 2 Kings 10, Ezekiel 1, 2 Corinthians 5-7

A Branded Heart Part 2

Yesterday we talked about how it is a branded heart that sets us apart and not a brand we wear on the outside or in many cases our outward works. As we read through today's Bible reading we understand what it is that brands us.

2 Corinthians 5:12-15 says, "We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." The words Paul uses are so powerful in this passage. He makes reference once again to the fact that it is not what is seen on the outside but rather what is in our hearts. He then goes on to clarify what it is that has branded us when he says, "for the love of Christ controls us". Other translations say that His love compels us. In other words, we are so branded by the love of God that we are compelled to share that love with others through all means possible.

Here is what we must understand, we cannot be branded by our charitable deeds because charitable deeds in and of themselves have no eternal power in them. Yes they can be a great tool as long as they flow out of a heart that has been branded by love because that love leads to an eternal purpose. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." It was God's heart of love that compelled Him to send Jesus and it was Jesus' heart of love that compelled Him to do every good and charitable deed here on earth so that people would be saved.

A true heart that has been branded by love is seen as we share the love of Christ with others as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:20. "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God". Everything we do on the outside, every good work, every charitable deed when our hearts have been branded leads to one thing. It leads me to the point of sharing the love of Jesus Christ with other people in the hopes that their heart too will be branded. The Bible says in Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven". The Bible is saying this; in terms a consumer driven society can understand, market your brand (the gospel of Jesus Christ) market it with your good works and your charitable deeds. After you have done all the marketing you can do though make sure it is unto something and you close the deal with sharing "the way the truth and the life with them"(John 14:6). If we never get to this point then our good works is more about us feeling good then it is about making an eternal impact on someone else.

As you think about this devotional today, ask yourself this question. Is my heart truly branded by the love of Jesus? You will know that it is if all your good works and charitable deeds lead you to sharing the gospel with others.

Tomorrows Bible Reading - 2 Kings 11-12, Ezekiel 2, 2 Corinthians 8-9

Dream Big
Ben