Colossians 1: 15-18 (MSG) “We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.”
He stepped out of His perfect heaven to set an example for us to follow and to show His love for us all. He didn’t come into this world ruling with an iron fist or clothed in the adorning robes of kings and princes. He chose to come in the most humble form, a baby. We see His earthly life and ministry revealed on the pages of scripture.
“He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (Isaiah 53: 2- 3 NIV)
Even though this world didn’t accept Him, His great love for us crossed every imaginable boundary; social, political, racial. He served all; the outcasts, the homeless, the poor, the sick. He was blameless, spotless, and sinless; yet He chose to take on the sins of the world – your sin, my sin – so we could be delivered once and for all from the power of sin.
“All things were made by him, and nothing was made without him. In him there was life, and that life was the light of all people. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overpowered it.” (John 1: 3- 5 NCV)
The God of the universe, maker of heaven and earth, sustainer of all life desires a close and personal relationship with each and every one of us. So much so, He made a way for everyone who believes in Him to be with Him forever. It is only through Him that we experience abundant life and will live forever in His eternal kingdom.
Just think about it…God wants a relationship with me. It just blows my mind sometimes. He loves me completely and unconditionally. He sees me at my absolute worst and still accepts me as I am. Loving me so much, He doesn’t want me to stay the way I am. He wants me to be more like Jesus. So, Jesus walked this earth not just to show me how to live and love others, but to die a horrendous death on the cross so I could experience freedom in Him. He wants the exact same thing for you too.
Do you know anyone who would sacrifice their own son just for you? God did. He loves us that much. Believe it….it’s true..the only unconditional love you will ever experience.
How is your relationship with Christ? Do you spend time everyday getting to know Him by reading the pages of His word and praying? Do you rely on Him in every area of your life? Are you learning and growing in Him?
It has been my experience that on days I don’t talk to Him or crack open my Bible (or the app on my cell phone) my day seems empty – like something is missing – sometimes downright overwhelming. When I try to handle the things of my day in my own strength I fail miserably. But those days that I choose to spend some time reading His word and talking with Him throughout the day, are the most rewarding and fulfilling – even if they are tough.
Father, may I never tire of reading your word and talking to you in the mornings and throughout the day when I have a free moment.
Four quarters make up an entire football game. Let’s suppose that, similar to a football game, you divide the time you have raising your child (children) into four 5-year quarters. If you look back over the first five years of your child’s life, ask yourself how you are doing in “training your child in the way he or she should go.” Have you pointed him/her/them to Christ? Have you encouraged them to hide God’s word in their hearts? Have you encouraged them to pray? Encouraging them to establish a firm foundation while they are young will help them to avoid sinking sand when they are older. God’s word promises that.
Revelation 3:20 (NIV) Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
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