Reading through the Bible with me? Then grab your pen and journal and read Isaiah 61:1-2, then read Luke 4:16-22.
We are officially in the season of Advent. Advent is defined as the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. The Christmas season is really a celebration of the arrival of the most notable God/Man who we know as Jesus, son of Joseph and Mary. He was conceived in Mary’s womb by the power of the Holy Spirit and was born a very human infant into a typical first century Jewish home. Paul tells us in Philippians 2 that “…Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to grip. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”
Sometimes, we tend to get so wrapped up in the beauty of the nativity and the stories of shepherds, angels, wise men, and innkeepers that we miss the truth that though this baby boy was fully human, He was and is the divine king of the world, the king of all creation and the King of Heaven. And if He is your Savior, He is also your king.
We fought a war to break free of a king in the 1770s. Our idea of royalty is limited to the figurehead role of the British royal family. From early on, the idea of king implied size, power, superiority, and competence. In tribes, clans, and nations, a king was one who was sovereign. He was the final authority, the supreme ruler, the one on whom the responsibility for his kingdom rests. So, the Lord Jesus is the King of all kings and if you claim Him as your Savior and Redeemer but reject His absolute authority over your life, your salvation is questionable.
There are far too many professing Christians in our nation who are in love with a Jesus of their own creation. One who is purely love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. That is what they desire. A savior/redeemer who is like a doting, enabling grandparent.
Jesus does not want to be in your heart unless He has reign over every part of your life. Jesus is not longing for you acceptance. He wants your total submission. Our Lord Jesus IS purely love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. He is also holy, righteous, all-powerful, all-knowing, and sovereign over all of creation.
This is the one of whom the angel said, “Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring immense joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! You will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Then he was joined by the armies of heaven saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
That night, God had taken upon Himself a human form – the weakest of His creation, an infant boy who would grow into His role as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world and the Lion of Judah who will one day return as the rescuer of His church and king of all kings.
In these uncertain times, why not surrender your life to the one who can give you eternal life? That is the only way to be ready when He comes again! Jesus is the reason for the season, but you are the reason He came! See John 3:16-17
