Issue 1519 – Double Barreled – August 8, 2024
It was back in the days when I was a snotty-nosed runt of a kid. If memory serves me correctly, I had not even left elementary school yet. The details are a little fuzzy from so long ago, but I will tell them as I recall them.
I was out with some older relatives, and they were doing some target shooting. We were in a field far from anything, so we were undoubtedly safe enough.
I had never fired a firearm before, and they were delighted to give me the opportunity to do so. They gave me a large-bore double-barreled shotgun and told me to hold it really loosely against my shoulder and pull both triggers at once.
Gleeful to get my shot (so to speak), I did just as I was instructed.
There was a boom that seemed deafening. A blow to my shoulder left bruises for a week, and I was sitting on the ground, embarrassed and wondering what had hit me. My relatives were doubled over in laughter.
Of course, I now know you never loosely hold a firearm and don’t fire both barrels at once. After that event, I was accepted as part of the inner circle and realized it was an initiation of sorts. It was not something I would ever do to anyone else, but I lived through it.
The gospel is double-barreled. It can bowl you over, but it can be incredibly beneficial when appropriately applied.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Often, Christians stop there and leave the second barrel charged and ready but unused. God never intended for us to do that.
The second barrel is the process of sanctification—of being set apart, of being made holy, of being more Christ-like in Character, and of maturing in our faith.
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-15
He does not save us and demand an immediate total change in character. We could not handle that and would find ourselves in the dirt. He does, however, expect us to grow in that direction.
A verse in the old hymn Rock of Ages is ringing through my head as I write this. “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee; let the water and the blood, from thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure; save from wrath and make me pure.” The water and the blood are a double cure, two barrels … saved from sin and made pure.
How is your growth and maturity in Christ? Is there fruit? Have you drifted? We are called to examine our hearts and continuously stay the course with Him. If there have been no changes in a while, you may need to return to the throne of grace for a power infusion.
Until next time, may both barrels be loosed in your life.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. Your value in God’s eyes is so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that his plan for heaven will not be complete without you.
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV)