God could have sent someone else, but so important was the mission, He sent His Son. In ancient times, the more important the matter, the higher the level of the person that was sent as an ambassador. To send a son showed gravity in the situation…to send an only son showed immense seriousness of the undertaking. God commissioned His one and only Son to the greatest mandate known to man…to save the world and give eternal life through His Son Jesus.
Tag: inspirational
Isaiah 42:1 ” Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on Him and He will bring justice to the nations.”
There are four “Servant Songs” within Isaiah…Chapter 42:1-9, Chapter 49:1-7, Chapter 50:4-11, and Chapter 52:13-53:12. All these songs are prophecies of Christ Jesus; His life, death, and resurrection. In speaking with His disciples, Jesus used these scriptures to show that He was the fulfillment of the words foretold by Isaiah. This Holiday Season I would urge you to take time to read all these passages and marvel at that tiny baby in the manger, and what He stood for.
Luke 1:34 ” How can this be, Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin?”
Elizabeth was the wife of Zechariah. She was old and barren. But the angel of the Lord came to Zechariah and announced that Elizabeth would have a son. Six months later that very angel visited Mary and told her the same mind-boggling news. When Mary asked the angel how this could happen he told her of Elizabeth and stated,”For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke then states that Mary got ready and hurried to the hill country of Judea to Elizabeth’s home. Why? This shell-shocked young pregnant teenager needed answers to questions, and Elizabeth was the very best person to answer them. Only Elizabeth could relate to what was happening to Mary, and God knew that only Elizabeth and her wisdom could prepare Mary for the path ahead. The Lord will bring Marys into your life also…searching young people who need you to share your grace, mercy, love, but most importantly your Godly wisdom with them. You will be the very best person to answer their questions. Be that Elizabeth to them.
Romans 8:3 ” For what the Law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering…”
That tiny baby in the manger was fully man…and fully God. What the Old Covenant and animal sacrifices were unable to do, Jesus came to accomplish…once, for all. God offered His Son as an atonement for our sins. But Jesus was also fully man, sharing in our humanity…He looked like a baby, cried like one, acted like one. The biggest difference was that this baby had come to save us from our sins.
Micah 5:2 ” But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old, from ancient times.”
The Prophet Micah was given the privilege of revealing the birthplace of the Messiah, and 700 years later the chief priests quoted him to King Herod when he asked where Christ was to be born. Like Jesus, Micah also came from a very insignificant town, and though he was called one of the Minor Prophets, his prophecies carried tremendous importance for the world. Our Lord continues to do this today…He uses unimportant people who think they are worthless to do mighty things for Him. Never dismiss anything the Lord has laid upon your heart as insignificant or irrelevant…just be obedient.
Isaiah 46: 4 ” Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
“Getting old is not for sissies!” I tell many an elderly patient. With advancing age can come chronic health problems, loneliness from loss of a spouse, and limited independence due to physical disabilities. But God doesn’t forget us when we’re old and gray…He’s still there supporting, and carrying our burdens. He’s there to refresh and lift us up as we go through each day looking towards Him.
Mark 5:34 ” He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’ “
For 12 years this woman was considered unclean. She was shunned by others and barred from going into the Temple. Sadly, she had spent all her money on treatments that had not worked, and instead of getting better she was now so weak it took all she could do to fight the crowds to get close to Jesus. But in an act of sheer desperation, with total, absolute belief that she could be delivered from this disease, she reached out and touched His cloak. Simultaneously, Jesus felt power leave Him as she was healed. That same Dynamis power is still there today… dry your tears on the hem of His garment and be made whole.
Proverbs 14:30 ” A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
Even when the world around us is chaotic, we can still be content and at peace within. But it’s when jealousy creeps in that suddenly we’re unhappy and discontented with everything and everyone. Envy can decay away the most stable of relationships, it can cause irreparable damage to people’s reputations and lives. Rotted bones can no longer support body weight…they are brittle, break easily, and can become a life threatening condition for the person…Envy not only affects others, but ourselves.
Psalm 5:12 ” For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
God goes before you today as a protector, safeguarding your every step. He encircles you with His grace and kindness, and gives you peace on all sides. So today, move out boldly into the world…you’re well protected…God has your back!
Galatians 6:6 ” Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.”
Has someone influenced your walk with the Lord by being a mentor? Has someone come along side during a rough period and spoke truth and light into those dark times? Has your Pastor ever given a sermon you know was written especially for you? Has a Bible teacher ever made that confusing passage suddenly very clear? I dare say you could probably answer “Yes” to most of these questions…so I ask you then…have you ever thanked them? Don’t take for granted the bounty of wisdom and knowledge you’ve received over the years from others. Today, make a phone call, send a text, or tell them personally…Thank you for showing me Jesus, and speaking the Word into my life.
Safetypinlove 