What Did Jesus Do?
And the Word became flesh, and we have seen his glory, full of grace and truth.
John 1.14
We have noted that words can be hurtful and devastatingly destructive (See WDJD for 12/21/10). It would be hard to calculate how much harm has been done by even careless and thoughtful words, to say nothing of hateful and mean-spirited speech. My wife's grandmother, who used to teach us in Sunday School when we were kids, would tell us, “If you are going to say something bad, bite your tongue first!” Sad to say, I have often ignored her sage advice (Of course, had I heeded it I probably would have chewed my tongue to bits years ago).
Given the abysmal level to which we have sunk as a culture, and the incivility of most conversation these days, I believe emergency rooms would be overflowing with patients with bleeding tongues if everyone were to follow Granny Woodruff's counsel. What pours forth from many mouths today is an all but constant stream of foul, nasty, and wicked words that could blister paint off a battleship.
The Father well understood long ago the awful tendency of humans to assault, insult, murder, and wage war with words. The Father also knew the matchless power of words, specifically the Word, to heal, mend, give life, and establish perfect peace. In answer to the wicked words of the world, the Father made the Word become flesh; and so the Son was born, and dwelt among us, full of irresistible grace and incontrovertible truth. If we could somehow get past the glitz and glitter of the secular, and sadly much of the religious, celebration of Christmas, we might get back to what the day is all about—the birth of the Savior in the person of the Word made flesh.
When we are talking the Word made flesh, words can become powerfully restorative and transformational. When we are talking the Word made flesh, words can become truly liberating and enlightening. When we are talking the Word made flesh, words can become illuminating and life-giving. When we are talking the Word made flesh, words can become redeeming and forgiving. When we are talking the Word made flesh, words can become help-full and hope-filled. When we are talking the Word made flesh, the constructs of grace and truth become incarnate and eternally material.
If all human speech would be seasoned by the grace and truth of the Word made flesh, the world would quickly become a radically different place that it is today. In fact, the Father announced the commencement of the re-creation of the world when he commanded his angel to proclaim what Louis Giglio calls “The Twelve Words of Christmas,”
“A Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2.11
Just imagine what conversations would be like if their content was to be informed by these twelve words. For that matter, why don't we try memorizing and meditating on “The Twelve Words of Christmas” every morning, and pray and ask the Father that the Son, the Word made flesh, might fill our speech? How might the conversations in our homes be changed? What might be the impact in our schools? Could workplaces become something different, something more, than places to go and earn a living?
Jesus, the Word made flesh, blessed with grace and truth; should we not likewise bless by taking the Word upon our lips and proclaiming it to all, every where, every day?
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Jesus Received Gifts
What Did Jesus Do?
Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts...
Matthew 2.11
Christmas is all about gifting, isn't it? I mean, how would the wise men have felt if they had arrived in Bethlehem empty handed, pretty embarrassed to say the least. I wonder, how did they choose what gifts to bring? All of us have wrestled at one time another with the ages old question, “What do you get the man (Or woman, or, in this case, the child) who has everything?” The fact is, Jesus truly does have everything! (See Colossians 1.16) I suppose the gifts the wise men chose to bring were ones they truly believed any king would appreciate, but then this was a king like no other.
While I am sure that Joseph and Mary appreciated the treasures given to their new-born son, I suspect that Jesus would have elected a different gift. When everything has been created through you and for you, well, there can't be to much on your “Christmas list.” Please don't think me silly for thinking about this, because, well, it is Christmas, and (hopefully) many will be going to church today or tomorrow or Sunday, and we don't want to go empty handed anymore than the wise men did. And, I am sure, most of us would like to bring the right gift to Jesus. But, again, what would the Lord of all truly desire from us?
I think there has only ever been one thing Jesus has ever wanted from us. Can you guess? It's us! Jesus, who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, doesn't need clothes, or food, or CDs or DVDs, but, he truly desires our lives and souls. Clothes, come on, Jesus is clothed in the finest raiment. As for food, well the Lord himself said that his food is to do the will of the Father (John 4.34). And, as far as entertainment goes, Jesus has an eternal front row seat for the never ending performance of the host of heaven, do we really thing he needs a CD?
Our lives, however, are something that the Lord has a real use for. With our lives Jesus can glorify the Father. With our lives the Lord can build his Kingdom. With our lives Christ can send the Good News to the ends of the earth. You know, there is a value that can be attached to all treasures. We could figure out just how much the gold, frankincense, and myrrh of the wise men was worth in the day, and in 2010 dollars. Clothing, food, and electronic goodies all come with a price tag on them. But a life, why, I am sure that Jesus would tell us that each one of us is priceless.
While many of us can't afford to go out and buy expensive clothes, or rich foods, or the latest CDs and DVDs as gifts, each of us has a life to spend. Christmas is the prefect time to ask ourselves what or who we will spend our life on. I guarantee, Jesus will be thrilled with the gift of us! And, even if we don't make it to church the next couple of days, there is nothing stopping any of us from saying to Jesus right now, “Lord, from the tips of my toes to the hair on my head; from my skin to the deepest part of my heart; for today, tomorrow, and forever—I'm yours” Imagine, with those simple words we can give Jesus the gift beyond measure, the one thing he wants more than anything in all of creation.
Christmas is all about gifting. On the first Christmas Jesus received gifts. What would Jesus like to do this Christmas? Receive the gift of us.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts...
Matthew 2.11
Christmas is all about gifting, isn't it? I mean, how would the wise men have felt if they had arrived in Bethlehem empty handed, pretty embarrassed to say the least. I wonder, how did they choose what gifts to bring? All of us have wrestled at one time another with the ages old question, “What do you get the man (Or woman, or, in this case, the child) who has everything?” The fact is, Jesus truly does have everything! (See Colossians 1.16) I suppose the gifts the wise men chose to bring were ones they truly believed any king would appreciate, but then this was a king like no other.
While I am sure that Joseph and Mary appreciated the treasures given to their new-born son, I suspect that Jesus would have elected a different gift. When everything has been created through you and for you, well, there can't be to much on your “Christmas list.” Please don't think me silly for thinking about this, because, well, it is Christmas, and (hopefully) many will be going to church today or tomorrow or Sunday, and we don't want to go empty handed anymore than the wise men did. And, I am sure, most of us would like to bring the right gift to Jesus. But, again, what would the Lord of all truly desire from us?
I think there has only ever been one thing Jesus has ever wanted from us. Can you guess? It's us! Jesus, who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, doesn't need clothes, or food, or CDs or DVDs, but, he truly desires our lives and souls. Clothes, come on, Jesus is clothed in the finest raiment. As for food, well the Lord himself said that his food is to do the will of the Father (John 4.34). And, as far as entertainment goes, Jesus has an eternal front row seat for the never ending performance of the host of heaven, do we really thing he needs a CD?
Our lives, however, are something that the Lord has a real use for. With our lives Jesus can glorify the Father. With our lives the Lord can build his Kingdom. With our lives Christ can send the Good News to the ends of the earth. You know, there is a value that can be attached to all treasures. We could figure out just how much the gold, frankincense, and myrrh of the wise men was worth in the day, and in 2010 dollars. Clothing, food, and electronic goodies all come with a price tag on them. But a life, why, I am sure that Jesus would tell us that each one of us is priceless.
While many of us can't afford to go out and buy expensive clothes, or rich foods, or the latest CDs and DVDs as gifts, each of us has a life to spend. Christmas is the prefect time to ask ourselves what or who we will spend our life on. I guarantee, Jesus will be thrilled with the gift of us! And, even if we don't make it to church the next couple of days, there is nothing stopping any of us from saying to Jesus right now, “Lord, from the tips of my toes to the hair on my head; from my skin to the deepest part of my heart; for today, tomorrow, and forever—I'm yours” Imagine, with those simple words we can give Jesus the gift beyond measure, the one thing he wants more than anything in all of creation.
Christmas is all about gifting. On the first Christmas Jesus received gifts. What would Jesus like to do this Christmas? Receive the gift of us.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Jesus Set People Searching
What Did Jesus Do?
Wise men from the east came asking, “Where is the One...”
Herod, assembling the priests and scribes, inquired where the Christ was to be born.
Matthew 2.1-4
The birth of Jesus launched what was nearly a global manhunt, or, more accurately, an infant hunt. From the east, likely Persia, wise men, or Magi (Astrologers), were compelled to follow a star. Guided by his priests' knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures Herod followed a prophecy. Both the wise men and Herod sought Jesus, but with very different motives. And, motives matter.
The wise men were responding to a deep sense of reverence and awe inspired by a celestial sign—there was a new king. And, though the infant had been born to be “king of the Jews,” the Magi recognized someone greater had come into the world. For his part Herod was responding to a deep sense of insecurity, and fear for his throne--Jerusalem wasn't big enough for two kings to rule the Jews, and Herod was not about to abdicate!
When talking about motives for seeking Jesus I believe it boils down to the two just mentioned. Either we acknowledge in Jesus' complete lordship over all things, including our lives, or we have no place for him because the throne of our life is already occupied by someone or something else.
Christmas is a particularly good time to consider what motivates us to seek Jesus. While many people are devoted to the Lord, and genuinely seek him every day, and worship him passionately and sincerely throughout the year, there are others who go “looking” for Jesus perhaps only at Christmas and Easter because he adds something to their experience of the holidays. These folks don't seek a Savior and Lord so much as an accessory to a life ruled by anyone but Jesus.
This is not to say that everyone who regularly attends Sunday worship throughout the year is necessarily motivated by a desire to adore and glorify and praise their king. Some seek a certain cultural approval that comes from being identified as a “church goer.” Some find it a social time to catch up with friends they don't see during the week. Some go because the church gives them opportunities to do community service and help others, not a bad thing at all, but hardly the worship of the king. There are “idols” that people bring into church every week, and just like ancient Jerusalem, no one's life is big enough for both an idol and Jesus to rule.
The thing about searching after anyone or anything other than Jesus is that, even if we find what we seek, we will sooner or later be disappointed. Not so with those who seek and find Jesus, for Christ never disappoints.
There's a bumper sticker that says, “Wise men still seek Him.” It's true enough, I suppose, but all kinds of people still seek Jesus, just as the Magi sought the newborn king to worship him, while Herod sought after a feared rival whom he wanted to murder. Jesus still sets people searching for him, what we need to do is examine our motives. If not today, Christmas Eve might be a good time to start. Will we be going to worship because we like the candlelight? Will it be the chance to sing some familiar carols? Maybe it will be nostalgia that draws us, as we try to recapture memories from when our parents used to bring us to church once or twice a year. Perhaps we'll go to try and create some memories for our own children. But unless we go to exalt the king, not only of the Jews, but of your life, and affirm that he alone occupies the throne of your heart, we would do well to question our motives.
Jesus set people searching long ago. If he is not yet our king, today would be a great day to seek him; we will find that he has in fact been seeking us!
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Wise men from the east came asking, “Where is the One...”
Herod, assembling the priests and scribes, inquired where the Christ was to be born.
Matthew 2.1-4
The birth of Jesus launched what was nearly a global manhunt, or, more accurately, an infant hunt. From the east, likely Persia, wise men, or Magi (Astrologers), were compelled to follow a star. Guided by his priests' knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures Herod followed a prophecy. Both the wise men and Herod sought Jesus, but with very different motives. And, motives matter.
The wise men were responding to a deep sense of reverence and awe inspired by a celestial sign—there was a new king. And, though the infant had been born to be “king of the Jews,” the Magi recognized someone greater had come into the world. For his part Herod was responding to a deep sense of insecurity, and fear for his throne--Jerusalem wasn't big enough for two kings to rule the Jews, and Herod was not about to abdicate!
When talking about motives for seeking Jesus I believe it boils down to the two just mentioned. Either we acknowledge in Jesus' complete lordship over all things, including our lives, or we have no place for him because the throne of our life is already occupied by someone or something else.
Christmas is a particularly good time to consider what motivates us to seek Jesus. While many people are devoted to the Lord, and genuinely seek him every day, and worship him passionately and sincerely throughout the year, there are others who go “looking” for Jesus perhaps only at Christmas and Easter because he adds something to their experience of the holidays. These folks don't seek a Savior and Lord so much as an accessory to a life ruled by anyone but Jesus.
This is not to say that everyone who regularly attends Sunday worship throughout the year is necessarily motivated by a desire to adore and glorify and praise their king. Some seek a certain cultural approval that comes from being identified as a “church goer.” Some find it a social time to catch up with friends they don't see during the week. Some go because the church gives them opportunities to do community service and help others, not a bad thing at all, but hardly the worship of the king. There are “idols” that people bring into church every week, and just like ancient Jerusalem, no one's life is big enough for both an idol and Jesus to rule.
The thing about searching after anyone or anything other than Jesus is that, even if we find what we seek, we will sooner or later be disappointed. Not so with those who seek and find Jesus, for Christ never disappoints.
There's a bumper sticker that says, “Wise men still seek Him.” It's true enough, I suppose, but all kinds of people still seek Jesus, just as the Magi sought the newborn king to worship him, while Herod sought after a feared rival whom he wanted to murder. Jesus still sets people searching for him, what we need to do is examine our motives. If not today, Christmas Eve might be a good time to start. Will we be going to worship because we like the candlelight? Will it be the chance to sing some familiar carols? Maybe it will be nostalgia that draws us, as we try to recapture memories from when our parents used to bring us to church once or twice a year. Perhaps we'll go to try and create some memories for our own children. But unless we go to exalt the king, not only of the Jews, but of your life, and affirm that he alone occupies the throne of your heart, we would do well to question our motives.
Jesus set people searching long ago. If he is not yet our king, today would be a great day to seek him; we will find that he has in fact been seeking us!
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Jesus Divided and Divined
What Did Jesus Do?
“Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many...
and for a sign that is opposed,
so that the thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Luke 2.34-35
Everyone has a destiny, an appointed future. This is not fatalism, rather it is the providence of God, the working out of the divine will for all of creation, including our lives. Even though we all have a personal destiny, there was One who played a determining role in the destinies of all of humanity. You see, it was appointed by the Father that the Son would be responsible for the appointed futures of all of us. Aged Simeon recognized this in the baby Jesus, as he revealed to Mary and Joseph the destiny of their child.
It's like this, all of humanity has been predestined to be part of one of two groups: the elect, or the reprobate. Salvation or destruction await all of us. The sole factor in sorting out which future awaits us is Jesus Christ, he will divide and separate forever the wheat from the chaff, as it were, when God gathers in the final harvest of creation.
The dividing of humanity will not be at all arbitrary, there will be a definite and distinct measure. For, there is no middle ground when it comes to Jesus. One either receives Christ as Savior and Lord, or one opposes him. The “receivers” will celebrate in God's eternal end zone, if you catch my meaning; while the “opposers”, well, darkness, weeping, and the gnashing of teeth, and much worse will fill their eternity.
And, just in case some believe they can get by masquerading as Christ's own, Simeon pointed out that the thoughts of all hearts will revealed. Outward appearances and lip service count for nothing when it comes to our destiny. The most secret thoughts of our hearts will reveal which future is appointed for us.
If, by any chance, you are somehow yet unsure of whether or not you are a “receiver” or an “opposer” as you read this, it would be a good thing to take some time for your heart to be divined today. We don't need an appointment to meet with the One who has appointed all futures, the Great Cardiologist, so to speak, is ready to see us whenever we ask. And it is important to ask, because it is foolish to leave the divining of our heart's deepest thoughts to ourselves. We wouldn't perform a heart transplant on our ourselves, would we? And, the truth of the matter is, a new heart is exactly what we need. The good news is, God is eager and ready to perform “surgery” on everyone who comes to him admitting their old heart is no good, and asking for a new one. There is but one diagnostic test to be performed—either Jesus is in our heart, or he is not. If he is—fantastic! If he is not we have two choices: 1) We reject him, leaving our hearts just as they are (And in so doing confirm our reservation for eternity's “smoking section.”), or 2) We confess to the Father our desperate need for the Son, and ask him to send the Holy Spirit to put Jesus right were he needs to be in our lives (Confirming our destiny with God in and through Jesus, the Son.).
You want to know something, Christmas, the birth of Christ, may very well not have been December 25. But, today can be Christmas for you, or someone you know, by making this the day to receive the Father's gift of the Son. The truth is, some celebrated their Christmases yesterday, and others will be celebrating their Christmases today, and still others will be celebrating their Christmases tomorrow. That's what Jesus does every day when he divides and divines hearts that belong to him.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
“Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many...
and for a sign that is opposed,
so that the thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Luke 2.34-35
Everyone has a destiny, an appointed future. This is not fatalism, rather it is the providence of God, the working out of the divine will for all of creation, including our lives. Even though we all have a personal destiny, there was One who played a determining role in the destinies of all of humanity. You see, it was appointed by the Father that the Son would be responsible for the appointed futures of all of us. Aged Simeon recognized this in the baby Jesus, as he revealed to Mary and Joseph the destiny of their child.
It's like this, all of humanity has been predestined to be part of one of two groups: the elect, or the reprobate. Salvation or destruction await all of us. The sole factor in sorting out which future awaits us is Jesus Christ, he will divide and separate forever the wheat from the chaff, as it were, when God gathers in the final harvest of creation.
The dividing of humanity will not be at all arbitrary, there will be a definite and distinct measure. For, there is no middle ground when it comes to Jesus. One either receives Christ as Savior and Lord, or one opposes him. The “receivers” will celebrate in God's eternal end zone, if you catch my meaning; while the “opposers”, well, darkness, weeping, and the gnashing of teeth, and much worse will fill their eternity.
And, just in case some believe they can get by masquerading as Christ's own, Simeon pointed out that the thoughts of all hearts will revealed. Outward appearances and lip service count for nothing when it comes to our destiny. The most secret thoughts of our hearts will reveal which future is appointed for us.
If, by any chance, you are somehow yet unsure of whether or not you are a “receiver” or an “opposer” as you read this, it would be a good thing to take some time for your heart to be divined today. We don't need an appointment to meet with the One who has appointed all futures, the Great Cardiologist, so to speak, is ready to see us whenever we ask. And it is important to ask, because it is foolish to leave the divining of our heart's deepest thoughts to ourselves. We wouldn't perform a heart transplant on our ourselves, would we? And, the truth of the matter is, a new heart is exactly what we need. The good news is, God is eager and ready to perform “surgery” on everyone who comes to him admitting their old heart is no good, and asking for a new one. There is but one diagnostic test to be performed—either Jesus is in our heart, or he is not. If he is—fantastic! If he is not we have two choices: 1) We reject him, leaving our hearts just as they are (And in so doing confirm our reservation for eternity's “smoking section.”), or 2) We confess to the Father our desperate need for the Son, and ask him to send the Holy Spirit to put Jesus right were he needs to be in our lives (Confirming our destiny with God in and through Jesus, the Son.).
You want to know something, Christmas, the birth of Christ, may very well not have been December 25. But, today can be Christmas for you, or someone you know, by making this the day to receive the Father's gift of the Son. The truth is, some celebrated their Christmases yesterday, and others will be celebrating their Christmases today, and still others will be celebrating their Christmases tomorrow. That's what Jesus does every day when he divides and divines hearts that belong to him.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Jesus Kept God's Promises
What Did Jesus Do?
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word.”
Luke 2.29
“Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me!” Remember that playground retort to name-calling? Of course, even as we said it, we knew it wasn't true, the taunting words of classmates did hurt us, or we wouldn't have needed to say anything. Mean spirited words are hurtful, no doubt about it, but there are words which, I believe, are even more destructive. Think about the following.
Your boss promises you a promotion, then gives it to someone else. Tell me that doesn't hurt. Mom or dad promise you that they'll take you to the movies on Saturday, but when Saturday comes, they're “too busy.” Ouch! A candidate for office promises, “No new taxes,” but when elected signs a bill loading a bunch more of taxes on your back. THAT's painful! Your spouse, who made vows of life-long fidelity on the day you were married breaks them. Feel betrayed? I'm not sure that there are any words that hurt worse than words of a broken promise. And, they are costly words too. Consider, if “A man (woman) is as good as his (her) word,” what can we say about someone whose “word” is worthless?
I cannot write these thoughts without confessing that I have broken a promise or two...alright, more than a couple! There is nothing I am more ashamed of than promises I've broken. But, be honest, have you always kept every promise you've ever made? If you have, congratulations, for you are in rare company! Oaths, promises, and vows should never be uttered without much thought, for the cost in breaking them is steep, more than we can pay. I believe that is why Jesus cautioned that it is better not to take an oath at all (See Matthew 5.33-37).
Speaking of Jesus, and you knew I would sooner or later, he is THE Promise Keeper when can all trust (With no disrespect to Coach McCartney). In fact, I might suggest that the only promises we really should ever rely on 100% are the promise made by the Father and fulfilled by the Son. We could be here a long time if I were to try and enumerate all the promises of God that are fulfilled in Christ, so let me just take one example that seems particularly appropriate at this time of year when we remember and celebrate the Savior's birth.
You see, for us Christ's birth is something we look back upon with great joy and thanksgiving to God. But there was a time when the coming of the Christ was looked forward to with an anticipation and longing hard for us to imagine. Luke tells about Simeon, who had awaited the coming of the Messiah his whole long life. Through all his years Simeon clung to a promise God had made to him—he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ (Luke 2.26). When Joseph and Mary brought their newborn son to the Temple to dedicate him Simeon immediately recognized in the child the very fulfillment of God's promise to him—his eyes beheld the salvation of God! And Simeon burst into a spontaneous song of praise, for God graciously granted the faithful old man to “depart in peace.”
If you will, the sum of all the Father's promises to his people add up to this—the Son was born to die in great affliction, that all we should, like Simeon, depart this life in perfect peace, knowing that in and through Christ we shall yet live forever in God's eternal kingdom of glory. These words, the Father's promises fulfilled in Christ Jesus the Son, don't hurt, they heal all hurts. Christmas this side of the cross should inspire the voices of millions of “Simeons” to bless the Father for the salvation he has revealed to us in the Son, who kept all the Father's promises.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word.”
Luke 2.29
“Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me!” Remember that playground retort to name-calling? Of course, even as we said it, we knew it wasn't true, the taunting words of classmates did hurt us, or we wouldn't have needed to say anything. Mean spirited words are hurtful, no doubt about it, but there are words which, I believe, are even more destructive. Think about the following.
Your boss promises you a promotion, then gives it to someone else. Tell me that doesn't hurt. Mom or dad promise you that they'll take you to the movies on Saturday, but when Saturday comes, they're “too busy.” Ouch! A candidate for office promises, “No new taxes,” but when elected signs a bill loading a bunch more of taxes on your back. THAT's painful! Your spouse, who made vows of life-long fidelity on the day you were married breaks them. Feel betrayed? I'm not sure that there are any words that hurt worse than words of a broken promise. And, they are costly words too. Consider, if “A man (woman) is as good as his (her) word,” what can we say about someone whose “word” is worthless?
I cannot write these thoughts without confessing that I have broken a promise or two...alright, more than a couple! There is nothing I am more ashamed of than promises I've broken. But, be honest, have you always kept every promise you've ever made? If you have, congratulations, for you are in rare company! Oaths, promises, and vows should never be uttered without much thought, for the cost in breaking them is steep, more than we can pay. I believe that is why Jesus cautioned that it is better not to take an oath at all (See Matthew 5.33-37).
Speaking of Jesus, and you knew I would sooner or later, he is THE Promise Keeper when can all trust (With no disrespect to Coach McCartney). In fact, I might suggest that the only promises we really should ever rely on 100% are the promise made by the Father and fulfilled by the Son. We could be here a long time if I were to try and enumerate all the promises of God that are fulfilled in Christ, so let me just take one example that seems particularly appropriate at this time of year when we remember and celebrate the Savior's birth.
You see, for us Christ's birth is something we look back upon with great joy and thanksgiving to God. But there was a time when the coming of the Christ was looked forward to with an anticipation and longing hard for us to imagine. Luke tells about Simeon, who had awaited the coming of the Messiah his whole long life. Through all his years Simeon clung to a promise God had made to him—he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ (Luke 2.26). When Joseph and Mary brought their newborn son to the Temple to dedicate him Simeon immediately recognized in the child the very fulfillment of God's promise to him—his eyes beheld the salvation of God! And Simeon burst into a spontaneous song of praise, for God graciously granted the faithful old man to “depart in peace.”
If you will, the sum of all the Father's promises to his people add up to this—the Son was born to die in great affliction, that all we should, like Simeon, depart this life in perfect peace, knowing that in and through Christ we shall yet live forever in God's eternal kingdom of glory. These words, the Father's promises fulfilled in Christ Jesus the Son, don't hurt, they heal all hurts. Christmas this side of the cross should inspire the voices of millions of “Simeons” to bless the Father for the salvation he has revealed to us in the Son, who kept all the Father's promises.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
Monday, December 20, 2010
Jesus Amazed Many
What did Jesus Do?
...and all who heard were amazed at what the shepherds said.
Luke 2.18
The world's first evangelists were not professional theologians. In fact, they probably hadn't ever been to school at all. It's doubtful they could read or write. But they had the one thing absolutely essential for successful evangelism—faith. You just can't proclaim Good News if you don't first believe it yourself. Unbelieving shepherds would have calmed and quieted their flocks, and returned to their vigil.
The Bible tells us that the shepherds went “with haste” to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger (Luke 2.16). Everything was just as the angel had said, and so the shepherds immediately started to fill everyone in on what had occurred that night. Evangelism, the spreading of the Good News of Jesus Christ, literally began just moments after the Savior's birth. The first to hear the Gospel were amazed at the shepherd's testimony. And, to this day, true evangelists continue to amaze the world with their witness.
Perhaps the most amazing, and tragic, thing about evangelism is that so many people continue to be unimpressed by it. While God still calls the elect through the tool of evangelism, the reprobate remain as unmoved, as un-amazed, by the Good News as ever. Yet, we have no direct way of knowing who's who; it isn't possible to look at someone and tell if their name is recorded in the Father's Book of Life or not. So, like the first evangelists, the shepherds, we too need to tell everyone what we know about Christ, the Lord. That's how evangelism has always worked—those who know tell those who don't.
And, just in case we think we lack the necessary qualifications to evangelize because we haven't a seminary degree, remember, the shepherds had no special training, all they had was the Good News and their faith. The Good News of Jesus Christ still amazes men, women, and children, all it takes is the telling.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
...and all who heard were amazed at what the shepherds said.
Luke 2.18
The world's first evangelists were not professional theologians. In fact, they probably hadn't ever been to school at all. It's doubtful they could read or write. But they had the one thing absolutely essential for successful evangelism—faith. You just can't proclaim Good News if you don't first believe it yourself. Unbelieving shepherds would have calmed and quieted their flocks, and returned to their vigil.
The Bible tells us that the shepherds went “with haste” to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger (Luke 2.16). Everything was just as the angel had said, and so the shepherds immediately started to fill everyone in on what had occurred that night. Evangelism, the spreading of the Good News of Jesus Christ, literally began just moments after the Savior's birth. The first to hear the Gospel were amazed at the shepherd's testimony. And, to this day, true evangelists continue to amaze the world with their witness.
Perhaps the most amazing, and tragic, thing about evangelism is that so many people continue to be unimpressed by it. While God still calls the elect through the tool of evangelism, the reprobate remain as unmoved, as un-amazed, by the Good News as ever. Yet, we have no direct way of knowing who's who; it isn't possible to look at someone and tell if their name is recorded in the Father's Book of Life or not. So, like the first evangelists, the shepherds, we too need to tell everyone what we know about Christ, the Lord. That's how evangelism has always worked—those who know tell those who don't.
And, just in case we think we lack the necessary qualifications to evangelize because we haven't a seminary degree, remember, the shepherds had no special training, all they had was the Good News and their faith. The Good News of Jesus Christ still amazes men, women, and children, all it takes is the telling.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
Saturday, December 18, 2010
An Angel Appeared, Shepherds Quaked, and Jesus Upheld
What Did Jesus Do?
...and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.
Luke 2.9
Shepherds, at least good shepherds, were not the sort to frighten easily. Armed with nothing more than a staff, and maybe a slingshot, shepherds routinely ran off thieves, faced down ravenous wolves, and generally stood their ground boldly in defense of their flocks. Shepherds were pretty tough guys. I certainly wouldn't want to tangle with them. Yet an entire band of shepherds was nearly routed one winter's night on a plain just below the little sleeping village of Bethlehem. It wasn't that the shepherds were a little nervous, they were scared to death! What could have so filled them with awe and terror? Glory.
I don't know about you, but I have been kind of looking forward to beholding the glory of God. But upon reading Luke 2.9 again, I'm not so sure. Don't get me wrong, I desperately long for the day when I will be with the Lord. But there's a reason Jude 24 talks of one who is able to keep us from falling “before the presence of his glory”—like the shepherds outside of Bethlehem, our first impulse when we are confronted with Glory will be to collapse in fear. And rightly so. I mean, the blinding brilliance of the Sun is barely a nightlight compared to the Glory of God.
Nothing so reveals the thoroughgoing depravity and corruption of fallen human beings as the Glory of God. In the presence of the Glory there is no place to run, no place to hide; just and inescapable doom about to consume us, what else could we do but quake in fear; were it not for the One who is able. And so it was that the angel dispelled the fear of the shepherds with “good news of great joy,” and the announcement that the One who could and would keep them from stumbling, and present them without blemish before the presence of Glory, was born that very night in Bethlehem.
Now, most of us spare little time for contemplating the Glory, much less fearing it. Most of us have more than enough fears in the here and now, so that we give little thought to the hereafter. Most people, though they're likely not to admit it, go through life afraid of all sorts of things. Schoolchildren fear their teacher won't approve of their work. Adolescents fear not being noticed (And then do everything they can to look like everyone else!). Workers are afraid of losing their jobs. Owners are afraid of losing their businesses. Everyone worries about losing their health. Many are plagued throughout life with a fear of death. So, as I said, few spend much time dwelling on the Glory.
But, here's the thing, Jesus, the One who is able to keep us from falling, is the One who can and will uphold us no matter what we face. And, best of all, he will be with us at that most critical moment, just when we go weak in the knees and start to drop in the presence of the Glory, to support us, even to present us spotless with great rejoicing! We all need to hear the angel's words this Christmas, and believe them every day, “fear not...for unto you is born a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” For the perfect love of the Father, come to us in and through the Son, alone casts out all fears, that we should go through life unafraid, and, on the day of the Lord, stand and not fall.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
...and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.
Luke 2.9
Shepherds, at least good shepherds, were not the sort to frighten easily. Armed with nothing more than a staff, and maybe a slingshot, shepherds routinely ran off thieves, faced down ravenous wolves, and generally stood their ground boldly in defense of their flocks. Shepherds were pretty tough guys. I certainly wouldn't want to tangle with them. Yet an entire band of shepherds was nearly routed one winter's night on a plain just below the little sleeping village of Bethlehem. It wasn't that the shepherds were a little nervous, they were scared to death! What could have so filled them with awe and terror? Glory.
I don't know about you, but I have been kind of looking forward to beholding the glory of God. But upon reading Luke 2.9 again, I'm not so sure. Don't get me wrong, I desperately long for the day when I will be with the Lord. But there's a reason Jude 24 talks of one who is able to keep us from falling “before the presence of his glory”—like the shepherds outside of Bethlehem, our first impulse when we are confronted with Glory will be to collapse in fear. And rightly so. I mean, the blinding brilliance of the Sun is barely a nightlight compared to the Glory of God.
Nothing so reveals the thoroughgoing depravity and corruption of fallen human beings as the Glory of God. In the presence of the Glory there is no place to run, no place to hide; just and inescapable doom about to consume us, what else could we do but quake in fear; were it not for the One who is able. And so it was that the angel dispelled the fear of the shepherds with “good news of great joy,” and the announcement that the One who could and would keep them from stumbling, and present them without blemish before the presence of Glory, was born that very night in Bethlehem.
Now, most of us spare little time for contemplating the Glory, much less fearing it. Most of us have more than enough fears in the here and now, so that we give little thought to the hereafter. Most people, though they're likely not to admit it, go through life afraid of all sorts of things. Schoolchildren fear their teacher won't approve of their work. Adolescents fear not being noticed (And then do everything they can to look like everyone else!). Workers are afraid of losing their jobs. Owners are afraid of losing their businesses. Everyone worries about losing their health. Many are plagued throughout life with a fear of death. So, as I said, few spend much time dwelling on the Glory.
But, here's the thing, Jesus, the One who is able to keep us from falling, is the One who can and will uphold us no matter what we face. And, best of all, he will be with us at that most critical moment, just when we go weak in the knees and start to drop in the presence of the Glory, to support us, even to present us spotless with great rejoicing! We all need to hear the angel's words this Christmas, and believe them every day, “fear not...for unto you is born a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” For the perfect love of the Father, come to us in and through the Son, alone casts out all fears, that we should go through life unafraid, and, on the day of the Lord, stand and not fall.
S.D.G.
Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4
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