According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the idiom “larger than life” means “If someone is larger than life, that person attracts a lot of attention because they are more exciting or interesting than most people.” Now, in consideration of this, who is larger than the “Author of life” Himself?
When Peter and John were in Solomon’s portico, attention was attracted by the presence of the lame beggar who had been healed in the name of Jesus. (Acts 3:1-10) Speaking to the astounded crowd, Peter drew the attention away from themselves and centered it on the Lord of whom they had in ignorance been party to sending to cross. (Acts 3:11-26) In part of Peter’s message he stated. . .
“(14) But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, (15) and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. (16) And his name — by faith in his name — has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.” (Acts 3:14-16 ESV)
Does the “Author of life” have the full attention of our life? He Who gave us life (John 1:1-3; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16) and the hope of it eternally (John 3:16; Romans 6:23; 1 Timothy 1:16), ought to hold our unwavering attention! (Hebrews 12:1-2) The glory we have in Christ is larger than life because in Him there is even greater glory to come! (2 Corinthians 4:16-17; Colossians 3:4) The hope we have in Christ is larger than this life because it transcends this realm into eternity with Him! (Titus 1:2; 3:7) Life lived for ourselves is small while life lived for Him is huge because His work in which He draws us into is even bigger than us! (Ephesians 3:20; Philippians 2:13)
Writing to Christians at Ephesus, Paul exhorted. . .
“(10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)
Walking with the Lord and in His steps, we are provided the opportunity to be a part of something huge! When I consider some of the works God has blessed our congregation to be a part of locally and abroad — and even what He has drawn me into personally — they are truly bigger than us because they are all a part of His broad eternal plan of redemption reaching out to a lost world. May we each continue surrendering to the work He desires to do in and through us so that the attention of others may ultimately be drawn to Him!
Have a great day LIVING FOR THE CAUSE LARGER THAN LIFE; CHRIST’S CAUSE!
Carl
