Weekly message: Don’t attribute to the person rather than to God by Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce

 Weekly message:  Don’t attribute to the person rather than to God.

 by Rev. Katherine Liu Bruce                                                                                   4/20/2024

Christian Arts Ministries: Biblical precepts & Gospel music; Pastoral ministry & Counseling

 Don’t attribute to the person rather than to God that which God performs through that person. Mary received God’s favor and fulfilled God’s redemptive plan for Israel and Gentiles by sending a Messiah who would be shepherd King. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, through incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, descended into Hades, ascended into heaven, sitteth on the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. Jesus became a savior for all mankind.

Mary didn’t get the credit herself, but she gave all the credits to God for the great things He has done, by overflowing thanks and praise to God. So often among God’s people when we see someone blessed and used by God, as Mary was, we attribute to the person rather than to God that which God performs through that person. Even men of God can fall for such flattery and take credit for what God does through them. God will use us and bless us but if He does the work He must get the credit. How often we rob God by attributing to ourselves that which God does through us.

How different Mary was, when she received the favor from God. With overflowing thanks and praise she gave all the credit to God for the great things He has done. By praising and thanking God she didn’t steal the glory. What Mary did, 1) By receiving His Word, 2) By believing He would perform His Word, 3) By being utterly dependent on the present-day intervention of God, 4) By praising and thanking God and thereby giving Him all the credit for what He does.

 When Jesus appeared Himself to Saul who persecuted the church, and transformed him into Apostle Paul, Jesus became the Lord, Savior to Paul. Paul followed Jesus alone, and willingly died for Christ. Paul’s faith and belief didn’t attribute to Peter or John but attribute to Jesus alone. When Thomas saw the nail marks in His hands and touched the nail of Jesus, Thomas’ faith attributed to Jesus alone, he called “My Lord and my God”. Jesus called Peter, “Follow Me”, Peter didn’t follow another person, but his master Jesus.  

 My friends, what reason did you become Christians? Are you following Apostle Peter, John, Paul or James? I hope you will answer me, “I follow Jesus”. Jesus Christ is the only savior who can save you and forgives your sin. It’s only Jesus who can redeem you by His blood. He is the only door and gate that you can enter into the kingdom of God, the New City, New Jerusalem. Your salvation and faith in Christ, don’t attribute to your church denominations, nor attribute to the person, but rather to God and Father of our Lord, Christ Jesus. Let your heart be filled by His Life - Giving Spirit.

Revelation 22: 17 says, “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come” and let him who hears say, “come!” whoever is thirsty, let him come, and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.”  

The entire revelation of the Bible shows us the love story of a universal couple. That is, the sovereign Lord who created the universe and all things, the Triune God –the Father, the Son, and the Spirit-who went through the processes of incarnation, human living, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, and who ultimately became the life-giving Spirit, is joined in marriage to the created, redeemed, regenerated, transformed, and glorified tripartite man-composed of spirit, soul, and body- who ultimately constitutes the church, the expression of God. In the eternity that is without end, by the divine, eternal, and surpassingly glorious life, they will live a life that is the mingling of God and man as one spirit, a life that is superexcellent and that overflows with blessings and joy.

Isaiah 54:4-5 says, “Do not be afraid, you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace, you will not be humiliated, you will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. For your Maker is your husband the Lord Almighty is His name- the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.” (Isa.54:4-5). You and I are called “Bride of Christ, the body of Christ, the church, and the Maker is your husband the Lord Almighty is His name. Therefore, fix your eyes on Jesus, put your hope in Christ, all things we have accomplished to God be the glory and attribute to God alone rather than to the person.

Prayer

Lord, invade every part of my life with your fulfilling mercies. Show me how I can be used to advance your plan for your kingdom. I praise you for sending a Savior, for remembering your promises, for blessing me and I ask you to make me more and more fruitful to you. Thank you for Mary’s example and for her Spirit of praise. Let me glorify you too.