There is a disagreement between people today about whether Jesus was just a good man, or the actual Messiah promised in the Old Testament. When He was born as a baby in an obscure stable, He did not draw much attention. Only a group of exhausted shepherds were treated to witness this event by a host of heavenly angels.
Although several prophets foretold of these circumstances years before it ever happened, the world had no idea about God’s plan that unfolded during their day and time (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6; Micah 5:2). Neither does today’s world have much interest in this story, nor do they see the amazing provision that God gave us through Jesus, our Christ
At the time of His birth, Jesus was worshipped by the shepherds from the hills; and years later, three wise Kings saw the signs in the stars and followed one particular star to the home where Joseph and Mary and their two-year-old son, Jesus, dwelled. However, generations then and now ignore these prophetic words as well as the signs in nature.
Jesus told us while He lived his 33 years on this earth that He is our only way to Heaven, the source of all truth, and the means for us to abide in eternal life. He actually stated that no one can go to God except through Him. He also revealed that He and our Father God are one God (John 14:6-7).
Our Messiah explained it another way by giving us the example of Him as our gateway to earthly blessings as well as to eternal life. Jesus became our only true source of eternal life and true enlightenment when He took on the form of a human being and dwelled among us, so that we could witness the glory, grace, miracles, and truth that He displayed (John 1:4, 14, 17, 10:9).
Jesus’ death and resurrection provide us with redemption and life, when we believe in who He really is. Our body will go to the grave, but our spirit and soul will go through His portal immediately into Heaven without experiencing the anguish of death that unbelievers encounter (John 11:25; 2 Corinthians 5:8-9).
Prayer:
Father God, thank You that we gained access by faith to Your grace on which we stand. We rejoice in the hope of seeing Your glory as we enter the door that Jesus opened for us to be saved and to have all our needs provided for us (Romans 5:2; John 10:9). We are eternally grateful that You offered an unencumbered highway for us to enter into Your way of holiness.
It grieves us, as I am sure it grieves You (2 Peter 3:8-10), that foolish, prideful, rebellious people who wander this earth shall never find Your straight and narrow way to Heaven (Isaiah 35:8-9; Matthew 7:13-14). Thank You for Jesus revealing to us the way to join in an intimate union with You both now and throughout eternity (Matthew 11:27). We love You with our whole heart and soul. You are our whole life and our reason for living (Colossians 3:3-4).
Thoughts for the Day:
God is not careless with His promises, even though many think He is neglectful for waiting so long to return to earth as He promised. He is persistent toward us, and He is not willing for anyone to perish in the eternal flames of hell, but that everyone ever born will have time to put their faith and trust in Him and to receive His free gift of eternal life.
- 2 Peter 3:8-10
