Releasing the Hidden Heroes
While you and I may not have the sculpting skills of Michelangelo we are able to use something even more powerful, our words.
While you and I may not have the sculpting skills of Michelangelo we are able to use something even more powerful, our words.
All who come to God must empty themselves of themselves. They must set aside their self-centredness, selfish ambition, and self-sufficiency. In other words, they must put away pride and put on humility.
I’ll believe it when I see it. Have you ever said that? Someone tries to convince you of something that doesn’t sound true. Not until you see it with your own eyes will you believe it.
Philip excitedly told his friend, Nathanael,
“We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.” (John 1:45)
But Nathanael smirked with skepticism, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (1:46).
Our sentimental approach to Christ’s birth sanitizes the event to the point where we re-cast the story for palatability, nostalgia, and commercial manipulation.
Keep this familiar story from losing its wonder by pondering the incredulity of the God of the universe arriving on earth as a newborn infant. Oh, what a glorious night!
When Jesus first began His earthly ministry, large crowds followed Him…hoping to benefit from His miracles. But Jesus had a much bigger purpose in mind than merely entertaining the crowds!
If I’ve described your situation, I have great news. I’m so glad that I memorized it years ago and call it to mind often. Here it is: We are all faced with a series of great opportunities, brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.
Christmas represents the most magnificent message that’s ever been told, which so far exceeds the details we have memorized. Unfortunately, most people don’t pause to think about the significance of the message.
This is the Good News—“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life,” (John 3:16 NIV). The price for our sins is paid in full. It’s a free gift for you, for me, for everyone who believes.
The teaching of Jesus and the apostles is unmistakable. Heaven is for those who have been saved from their sin by trusting in Jesus. Heaven is not a mythical place for all people regardless of their background.