The Resurrection Life of Christ Formed in Us
By Curtis Crews
Rom 1:17 “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith”
After we have walked with the Lord for some time we discover there are many levels of relationship and we begin to sense when we are reaching the end of a level and on the verge of a new beginning. A season of measure, blessing and provision gives way to the Lords desire is to meet us in a new way. He may suspend some outward blessing or withhold some provision to get our full attention. We may find ourselves in a time of trial or become very conscious of a failure or defeat. In past dealings we may have reacted by blaming the devil but now we long to meet the Lord and glorify Him in the midst of these intense pressures.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (Amplified Bible) “And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit”
The revelation and knowledge of Him that had been tested and proven in the past and resulted in many blessings now seems to fade as “deep calls us to more”. He must increase and I decrease. His fullness means my emptiness.
Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me”
The Holy Spirit seeks to reveal this crucified life in each of us so that only the Lord may be seen. How many would be reduced to this level? Through a personalized cross He is replacing the image of self by forming the image of His Son that “the life of one” may be seen in a people. As we spend time with the Lord each day every stronghold will come to the surface and be consumed in the fire of His presence. My fears, my opinions and judgements of others must be placed on the altar to be consumed. How sensitive must we be in our reaction to the Holy Spirit. He seeks to bring us to a place where He can touch the parts of us that others see but we are blind to that filter and mix with His presence. We may have many words to say but the Spirit may be saying be quiet and listen. He may want a personal habit or a friendship to be surrendered. Anything in us that imposes itself on others and brings us into view must be yielded so that we remain hidden in Him.
Colossians 3:3 “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God”