In Mark Twain's Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Tom and Huck Finn witnessed Injun Joe kill Dr. Robinson. They decided they would keep the matter secret and made a pact, each signing his name with his own blood. Though the book was written in the late 19th century, the practice of sealing an agreement with your own blood is not a new concept. Last night during family Bible reading, we read of circumcision - not your typical after dinner discussion! The biblical history and significance of circumcision is an interesting study because it points to the new covenant in the blood of Jesus Christ.
God appeared to Abram and told him to leave his father's house and land, and go to a land God would show him. So Abram took all his belongings and embarked on an amazing journey of faith. God made many promises to Abram. He told Abram that he would be the father of many nations and give to his descendants the land of Canaan. Genesis 17:1-11 reads, "When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. 2 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly." 3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4 "As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. 8 Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God." 9 And God said to Abraham: "As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male child among you shall be circumcised; 11 and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you."
In establishing a covenant or agreement with Abram, God required Abram's obedience in the matter of circumcision: the covenant would be sealed with Abram's own blood. God changed Abram's name to Abraham and told him that circumcision would be the sign of the covenant between Him and Abraham. It is one thing to believe the promises of God: it is a greater thing indeed to have the faith to walk in obedience! God told Abraham to remove skin from a sensitive part of the body and from every male in his household. This could not be done without cutting, bleeding, and lingering soreness. Instead of saying, "You want me to do WHAT?" Abraham believed God, trusted Him, and was circumcised that day.
Now fast-forward to eight days after the birth of Jesus. Luke 2:21 says, "And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb." According to the covenant of the Mosaic Law, Jesus was circumcised. But this was not the last time that Christ's blood would be shed. Consider when Jesus and His disciples ate the Passover in the upper room and when He instituted the Lord's Supper. He spoke in Luke 22:19-20 says, "And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." This was spoken on the night Jesus would be betrayed, arrested, wrongfully condemned, and later crucified. Jesus was not only circumcised, but all His blood was poured out on the cross to usher in the new covenant in His blood. It is by grace we are saved through faith, a gift of God.
Romans 4:8-13 states, "Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin." 9 Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised. 13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith." Paul explains that Abraham received promises and favour from God while uncircumcised. In that day many Jews who trusted in Christ said that one must be circumcised to obtain salvation and forgiveness of sins. Abraham did not earn God's favour through the circumcision of his flesh, but through the faith which enabled him to obey God and be circumcised. The Law cannot save, only condemn. The Law is a schoolmaster which leads us by the hand to Christ so we might repent and trust Him for salvation.
I am convinced that the greatest display of faith is revealed in Jesus Christ as He willingly laid down His life on Calvary. It is one thing to submit to circumcision: it is a greater thing to submit to crucifixion! Jesus said in Gethsemane to the Father, "Not my will, but your will be done." Many men have stared death in the face. But only Jesus believed He would overcome death and predicted He would rise from the dead in three days. People make wild predictions all the time, but not Jesus. He always spoke the truth and not one word has failed from all His promises. After Jesus Christ ascended into heaven John wrote this of Christ in Revelation 1:12-18: "Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death."
What an awesome God! He is worthy of all glory, honour, and praise. He is the only one worth following for eternity. Jesus has said in Luke 9:23-24, "Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it." I trust Jesus and desire to follow Him until the end. He is the one who has willingly given all His life's blood so I could be redeemed and saved from my sins. He offers you salvation through faith. You do not have to write your name in blood, be circumcised to be saved, nor must you be nailed to a cross. He has already shed blood so your sins can be forgiven and His righteousness imputed to you through faith. But if you trust Him you will joyfully endure anything for His sake, whether He tells you to leave your homeland or go to the land which He will show you. There is nothing better than losing your life for Christ sake, for in doing so you find true everlasting life.
11 January 2012
08 January 2012
Stomp out Sin!
Last week I had a strange dream. In the dream I found myself in a house that was infested with mice and rats. Traps littered the ground, all of which had caught multiple rodents in a single snap. It was a bizarre sight, rats lined up side by side in formation. I had been called in to deal with the problem and end the infestation. With determination fueled by disgust of the horrible condition of the home, I set to my task immediately. In fact, the rats had become so bold and numerous that the people who lived in the house were starving: the rodents were eating all the food!
As I emptied the traps, I began to set them out again. The most disturbing moment was when an occupant of the home came and asked me not to set out the traps, at least not right away. Perhaps feeling a bit sorry for the rats and mice the woman said, "I didn't think you would put out the traps again so soon. Shouldn't we give them a week or two?" Perhaps she hoped that the rats wouldn't need to be killed, but they would just leave on their own. I was incredulous: here these poor people are struggling to survive, being eaten out of house and home. We can't afford to wait, I told her. Why should we allow rampant breeding and stealing of food without a fight? Should we allow the rat population to recover? The people in the house were conflicted: they hated the rats, but they didn't want to kill them. They knew drastic action needed to be taken, but didn't want to do anything to change the situation.
I had a shocking surprise when I entered a large room. While I had been trapping rats and mice on one side of the house, the rats had been feasting on pizza! Hundreds of pizza boxes had been placed on a table in a grid pattern, and I looked in horror as the rats gorged themselves until they became literally sick. By the time the inhabitants of the house came into the room, the food was gone. All that was remained was the waste and filth left by the rats. I don't often experience emotions in dreams, but I was very angry. I was more angry with the people than with the rats for allowing the condition to degrade to such a state. The rats had a comfortable living arrangement. They were simply following their animal instincts. But he people had means at their disposal for a long time to change the environment and chose to do nothing. They wailed pitifully when they saw their food was gone. They dried their tears, shrugged their shoulders, and hoped to eat tomorrow.
I can't help but think this is an illustration of a spiritual sort. God has offered people forgiveness and deliverance from sin, freedom from the tyranny of the flesh, and the power to live holy, righteous, God-fearing lives. God has granted Christians the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit to help, empower, and guide us through this life. But because of our flesh, the cares of this world, and the raging enemy of our souls, we can allow things into our hearts, minds, and homes that will damage our relationship with God. We stop following Jesus closely. We slowly give into temptations and coddle addictions. We neglect the reading and studying of God's Word, becoming spiritually anemic, weak, and sickly. We allow the flesh to dictate the conditions of our lives rather than submitting to God and standing strong in the LORD and in the power of His might.
If there is a rat or two in your house, odds are you would immediately act: place poison, bait and set traps, close any holes or gaps where the rats are getting in, or call an exterminator. We must be just as vigilant with spiritual disciplines! When we have a single sinful thought or attitude, we must immediately confess it as sin and take it captive. When we fall into temptation we must confess it before God and other brothers and sisters in Christ so they might hold us accountable. This is nothing new for any Christian who seeks to follow Jesus Christ faithfully. The trick is to stay focused and strong in Christ day after day, week after week, year after year - without giving an inch in our lives to sin. Sin is like a roach or rat infestation. It does not start with 1,000 roaches: it does not start as an infestation at all. It starts with one roach and one little egg. Unchecked over time, with ample resources and minimal resistance, a few roaches will grow in numbers until the professionals must be called if anything is to be done.
Jesus is a Saviour, Deliverer, and Redeemer. He is able to drive out demons with a word: is stomping out any sin too hard for Him? He has paid the price on Calvary for our sins and sicknesses with His own blood. Our part is to confess our need, receive the cleansing of His blood by grace through faith, and walk uprightly, remaining sober and vigilant. We have an enemy named Satan, but Christians have a Saviour named Jesus the Christ! We never need be hungry again, for He will satisfy our souls. If there are rats in your home or heart, declare war and follow Christ's lead. If there is anything in your life which is sapping your spiritual vitality, be rid of that thing: end the conflict once and for all. Psalm 60:12 reads, "Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies." Willpower doesn't do anything against sin: God is the one who stomps our enemies and enables us to be valiant!
As I emptied the traps, I began to set them out again. The most disturbing moment was when an occupant of the home came and asked me not to set out the traps, at least not right away. Perhaps feeling a bit sorry for the rats and mice the woman said, "I didn't think you would put out the traps again so soon. Shouldn't we give them a week or two?" Perhaps she hoped that the rats wouldn't need to be killed, but they would just leave on their own. I was incredulous: here these poor people are struggling to survive, being eaten out of house and home. We can't afford to wait, I told her. Why should we allow rampant breeding and stealing of food without a fight? Should we allow the rat population to recover? The people in the house were conflicted: they hated the rats, but they didn't want to kill them. They knew drastic action needed to be taken, but didn't want to do anything to change the situation.
I had a shocking surprise when I entered a large room. While I had been trapping rats and mice on one side of the house, the rats had been feasting on pizza! Hundreds of pizza boxes had been placed on a table in a grid pattern, and I looked in horror as the rats gorged themselves until they became literally sick. By the time the inhabitants of the house came into the room, the food was gone. All that was remained was the waste and filth left by the rats. I don't often experience emotions in dreams, but I was very angry. I was more angry with the people than with the rats for allowing the condition to degrade to such a state. The rats had a comfortable living arrangement. They were simply following their animal instincts. But he people had means at their disposal for a long time to change the environment and chose to do nothing. They wailed pitifully when they saw their food was gone. They dried their tears, shrugged their shoulders, and hoped to eat tomorrow.
I can't help but think this is an illustration of a spiritual sort. God has offered people forgiveness and deliverance from sin, freedom from the tyranny of the flesh, and the power to live holy, righteous, God-fearing lives. God has granted Christians the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit to help, empower, and guide us through this life. But because of our flesh, the cares of this world, and the raging enemy of our souls, we can allow things into our hearts, minds, and homes that will damage our relationship with God. We stop following Jesus closely. We slowly give into temptations and coddle addictions. We neglect the reading and studying of God's Word, becoming spiritually anemic, weak, and sickly. We allow the flesh to dictate the conditions of our lives rather than submitting to God and standing strong in the LORD and in the power of His might.
If there is a rat or two in your house, odds are you would immediately act: place poison, bait and set traps, close any holes or gaps where the rats are getting in, or call an exterminator. We must be just as vigilant with spiritual disciplines! When we have a single sinful thought or attitude, we must immediately confess it as sin and take it captive. When we fall into temptation we must confess it before God and other brothers and sisters in Christ so they might hold us accountable. This is nothing new for any Christian who seeks to follow Jesus Christ faithfully. The trick is to stay focused and strong in Christ day after day, week after week, year after year - without giving an inch in our lives to sin. Sin is like a roach or rat infestation. It does not start with 1,000 roaches: it does not start as an infestation at all. It starts with one roach and one little egg. Unchecked over time, with ample resources and minimal resistance, a few roaches will grow in numbers until the professionals must be called if anything is to be done.
Jesus is a Saviour, Deliverer, and Redeemer. He is able to drive out demons with a word: is stomping out any sin too hard for Him? He has paid the price on Calvary for our sins and sicknesses with His own blood. Our part is to confess our need, receive the cleansing of His blood by grace through faith, and walk uprightly, remaining sober and vigilant. We have an enemy named Satan, but Christians have a Saviour named Jesus the Christ! We never need be hungry again, for He will satisfy our souls. If there are rats in your home or heart, declare war and follow Christ's lead. If there is anything in your life which is sapping your spiritual vitality, be rid of that thing: end the conflict once and for all. Psalm 60:12 reads, "Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies." Willpower doesn't do anything against sin: God is the one who stomps our enemies and enables us to be valiant!
04 January 2012
Work of Flesh or Spirit?
As I rode the train yesterday, I paused as I read the Bible to consider the battle between the Holy Spirit and our flesh. The most common battle we face is resisting or rejecting the desires of the flesh to sin. Though our hearts have been regenerated and filled with the Holy Spirit, our flesh still longs to satisfy itself apart from the will of God according to holiness and righteousness. As difficult as it is to always flee from temptation, there is a battle of a different kind which can be more difficult to recognize. Sometimes we feel led to do or say something for God and we are not sure if it is a work of the flesh or the Spirit. We struggle and choose not to act because we would not want our efforts to be a work of the flesh. Many times, I am realizing, this in itself allows the flesh to claim another victory.
The thought occurred to me as I sat surrounded by silent people on the train. Everyone was reading the paper, using mobile phones, or music with ear buds in. Only a couple of people who clearly knew each other were talking in quiet voices. I thought, perhaps I should stand up on the train and say, "Good morning! I just wanted to let you know that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the only way to heaven!" I recall a time in Seattle where a man stood up on a bus and told the people that all people are sinners and heading for hell and that all must repent and trust in Jesus Christ to be saved. I was a Christian and I felt the uncomfortable tension. True words were spoken on that bus, but people were clearly irritated by the interruption. The response, of course, should not sway us from the presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That day many social norms were unapologetically broken and personal airspace had been commandeered by a terse Gospel presentation. Was that the right thing to do or not? Was it a work of the flesh or of the Spirit?
I am convinced that if the man on that bus spoke motivated by the love of Jesus for the glory of God, what he did in breaking the unwritten rules of public decorum were the right thing to do. He spoke not to make a name for himself but to bring attention to Jesus Christ. He certainly didn't become more popular on the bus with his fellow travelers! The opposite became true: people scowled and looked at him with disgust - something the flesh really hates. The flesh wants to be accepted and to fit in. Today it seems that in general the church is so conflicted about the flavour of the Gospel presentation that the Gospel is not shared as it ought to be. That is like withholding good meat from starving people because you are unsure if they would prefer a teriyaki marinade or a dry rub. Can you imagine hoarding bread from dying children because of the fear they might complain because the bread is wholemeal and not white? Consequently we choose inaction and justify ourselves with the fact that our motivation to give the bread and Living Water of the Gospel might be of the flesh - which is exactly contrary to the truth. The Spirit of God always wants to glorify Jesus Christ, while our flesh is much more concerned with social customs and fitting in with others.
I wish I could report to you that I did stand up on the train and boldly proclaim the Gospel - but I didn't. Thank God that He gives us opportunities all the time to glorify Him and not make the same mistake again, sitting down and remaining silent when God gives words He desires us speak. It was a great benefit to me to have that discussion with the LORD and once for all clear up that dangerous lie, that the opening of my mouth for the glory of God would be an act of the flesh. 1 Corinthians 12:3 states, "Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit." If I open up my mouth to glorify Jesus Christ in public, I do so empowered by the Holy Spirit. Love, mercy, grace, and compassion ought to mark my words and deeds. It is time to stand up and be numbered among those who are not just open about their faith but boldly proclaim it. We will prevail and have overcome already, for He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world!
The thought occurred to me as I sat surrounded by silent people on the train. Everyone was reading the paper, using mobile phones, or music with ear buds in. Only a couple of people who clearly knew each other were talking in quiet voices. I thought, perhaps I should stand up on the train and say, "Good morning! I just wanted to let you know that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the only way to heaven!" I recall a time in Seattle where a man stood up on a bus and told the people that all people are sinners and heading for hell and that all must repent and trust in Jesus Christ to be saved. I was a Christian and I felt the uncomfortable tension. True words were spoken on that bus, but people were clearly irritated by the interruption. The response, of course, should not sway us from the presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That day many social norms were unapologetically broken and personal airspace had been commandeered by a terse Gospel presentation. Was that the right thing to do or not? Was it a work of the flesh or of the Spirit?
I am convinced that if the man on that bus spoke motivated by the love of Jesus for the glory of God, what he did in breaking the unwritten rules of public decorum were the right thing to do. He spoke not to make a name for himself but to bring attention to Jesus Christ. He certainly didn't become more popular on the bus with his fellow travelers! The opposite became true: people scowled and looked at him with disgust - something the flesh really hates. The flesh wants to be accepted and to fit in. Today it seems that in general the church is so conflicted about the flavour of the Gospel presentation that the Gospel is not shared as it ought to be. That is like withholding good meat from starving people because you are unsure if they would prefer a teriyaki marinade or a dry rub. Can you imagine hoarding bread from dying children because of the fear they might complain because the bread is wholemeal and not white? Consequently we choose inaction and justify ourselves with the fact that our motivation to give the bread and Living Water of the Gospel might be of the flesh - which is exactly contrary to the truth. The Spirit of God always wants to glorify Jesus Christ, while our flesh is much more concerned with social customs and fitting in with others.
I wish I could report to you that I did stand up on the train and boldly proclaim the Gospel - but I didn't. Thank God that He gives us opportunities all the time to glorify Him and not make the same mistake again, sitting down and remaining silent when God gives words He desires us speak. It was a great benefit to me to have that discussion with the LORD and once for all clear up that dangerous lie, that the opening of my mouth for the glory of God would be an act of the flesh. 1 Corinthians 12:3 states, "Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit." If I open up my mouth to glorify Jesus Christ in public, I do so empowered by the Holy Spirit. Love, mercy, grace, and compassion ought to mark my words and deeds. It is time to stand up and be numbered among those who are not just open about their faith but boldly proclaim it. We will prevail and have overcome already, for He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world!
01 January 2012
As a Root out of Dry Ground
Our family enjoyed a beautiful walk at Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains this morning. We started early, beat the traffic, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the sights and sounds of the National Pass. The waterfalls, lush green ferns and gums, gorgeous panoramic views, majestic rock formations, and squawks of sulfur-crested cockatoos made it an amazing setting I heartily recommend and never grow weary of. Not to say it was an easy walk, though: by the end of the walking track we were all ready for a well-deserved rest and light lunch at the Conservation Hut.
As we walked along the National Pass, I frequently observed gum trees which appeared to be growing out of the rock and sandstone. Gnarled roots heaved across dry stone, seeking after a water source. It reminded me of a scripture which speaks of the Messiah, who is Jesus Christ. Isaiah 53:1-2 reads, "Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him." As I saw roots growing out of dusty, dry sandstone, my mind hearkened back to the Isaiah passage. Jesus did not attract people because of His physical beauty, bulging muscles, light which emanated from His face, or a magnetic speaking voice. In appearance Jesus appeared like a normal person. The thing which Jesus possessed which set Him apart from all others was life. John 1:4 tells us, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men."
Dry ground does not promote life. Grass does not grow on the dry footpath of the National Pass. But some trees do! Many of the roots of healthy, green gum trees are exposed along the path. The primary difference between the dust and the root is that the tree is alive. Jesus is distinct from all others because in Him is spiritual life. Jesus did not reserve life only for Himself, but offered the unfailing promise of eternal life to all who repent and trust in Him. The great irony is that Jesus embraced death on the cross so all people who place their faith in Him will be washed in His blood and live forever with Him. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the World. Spiritually speaking, men are born dead in sins. But Jesus came as a tender shoot, like a root out of dry ground, bringing life to all who believe through His death and resurrection.
Jesus says in John 12:24-26: "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor." Though there was nothing desirable in Christ's appearance which set Him apart, it is His love and grace which draws men to follow Him. He is glorious in the beauty of His holiness. While we were yet sinners, Jesus demonstrated His love for us on the cross. God has raised my soul from hell, and has brought life to these dead bones by His grace. He will do the same for you because God's Word teaches us He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
Just like I wish everyone could experience the beauty and splendour of the National Pass, I desire more still that all would experience the love and life found in the person of Jesus Christ. The National Pass will someday pass away, but those who trust in Jesus Christ will rejoice in new life for eternity. You will need to take a plane, train, or car to the National Pass and walk it yourself to experience it, but no camera or video can contain the beauty you behold there. No man can discover the wonder of God alone. But Jesus has come to us! He has walked this earth, performed signs and wonders, died for us, and rose from the dead in victory over death. No article, blog, or sermon can adequately portray the beauty of the One who is likened to a root out of dry ground, Jesus Christ. You will never know what life is until you give your life to Him.
As we walked along the National Pass, I frequently observed gum trees which appeared to be growing out of the rock and sandstone. Gnarled roots heaved across dry stone, seeking after a water source. It reminded me of a scripture which speaks of the Messiah, who is Jesus Christ. Isaiah 53:1-2 reads, "Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him." As I saw roots growing out of dusty, dry sandstone, my mind hearkened back to the Isaiah passage. Jesus did not attract people because of His physical beauty, bulging muscles, light which emanated from His face, or a magnetic speaking voice. In appearance Jesus appeared like a normal person. The thing which Jesus possessed which set Him apart from all others was life. John 1:4 tells us, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men."
Dry ground does not promote life. Grass does not grow on the dry footpath of the National Pass. But some trees do! Many of the roots of healthy, green gum trees are exposed along the path. The primary difference between the dust and the root is that the tree is alive. Jesus is distinct from all others because in Him is spiritual life. Jesus did not reserve life only for Himself, but offered the unfailing promise of eternal life to all who repent and trust in Him. The great irony is that Jesus embraced death on the cross so all people who place their faith in Him will be washed in His blood and live forever with Him. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the World. Spiritually speaking, men are born dead in sins. But Jesus came as a tender shoot, like a root out of dry ground, bringing life to all who believe through His death and resurrection.
Jesus says in John 12:24-26: "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor." Though there was nothing desirable in Christ's appearance which set Him apart, it is His love and grace which draws men to follow Him. He is glorious in the beauty of His holiness. While we were yet sinners, Jesus demonstrated His love for us on the cross. God has raised my soul from hell, and has brought life to these dead bones by His grace. He will do the same for you because God's Word teaches us He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
Just like I wish everyone could experience the beauty and splendour of the National Pass, I desire more still that all would experience the love and life found in the person of Jesus Christ. The National Pass will someday pass away, but those who trust in Jesus Christ will rejoice in new life for eternity. You will need to take a plane, train, or car to the National Pass and walk it yourself to experience it, but no camera or video can contain the beauty you behold there. No man can discover the wonder of God alone. But Jesus has come to us! He has walked this earth, performed signs and wonders, died for us, and rose from the dead in victory over death. No article, blog, or sermon can adequately portray the beauty of the One who is likened to a root out of dry ground, Jesus Christ. You will never know what life is until you give your life to Him.
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