Can we really comprehend what Jesus actually did for us? The King became the servant…that NEVER happens! What king would leave the splendor of the palace to go out and start scooping manure in the barn?
And it’s not just that Jesus lowered Himself to our level that is important…it is why He did it that gives us some greater understanding. We know why He came (to restore us to God by His death), but do we know why He came as a babe in a manger?
Well, how could God have us love Him and have an intimate relationship with Him if we were always turning away in fear and groveling at His feet in His awesomeness? Instead of coming in His splendor and majesty, He made the ultimate sacrifice…He came as lowly man. He made an appearance in a form that did not frighten—what could be less scary than a newborn?
The Jews, of course, were quite confused in this. The big problem for them was that they conjured up what they thought God was like and what THEY wanted God to do. That is dangerous territory to be in. By doing that, they actually missed Him when He did come.
Do you do the same? Do you suppose what God is, what He is supposed to do, and how He is supposed to act and respond to the things that happen in your life and the lives of others? Then, when He doesn’t meet YOUR measure, you are disappointed. Have we forgotten who He is…what He has done for us? He came in a form that we could get close to.
God doesn’t want suffering, retribution, payback, or a robotic, slave-like, religious group of followers that He booms out orders to and will fry them like a bug hitting a hot gas grill if they disobey. NO. NO, and NO again!
Coming FIRST as human allowed God, for the first time in all of the history of mankind, to walk among men without having to say to them, “Don’t be afraid of Me.”
He actually did it for YOU…the Word became flesh!
And it’s not just that Jesus lowered Himself to our level that is important…it is why He did it that gives us some greater understanding. We know why He came (to restore us to God by His death), but do we know why He came as a babe in a manger?
Well, how could God have us love Him and have an intimate relationship with Him if we were always turning away in fear and groveling at His feet in His awesomeness? Instead of coming in His splendor and majesty, He made the ultimate sacrifice…He came as lowly man. He made an appearance in a form that did not frighten—what could be less scary than a newborn?
The Jews, of course, were quite confused in this. The big problem for them was that they conjured up what they thought God was like and what THEY wanted God to do. That is dangerous territory to be in. By doing that, they actually missed Him when He did come.
Do you do the same? Do you suppose what God is, what He is supposed to do, and how He is supposed to act and respond to the things that happen in your life and the lives of others? Then, when He doesn’t meet YOUR measure, you are disappointed. Have we forgotten who He is…what He has done for us? He came in a form that we could get close to.
God doesn’t want suffering, retribution, payback, or a robotic, slave-like, religious group of followers that He booms out orders to and will fry them like a bug hitting a hot gas grill if they disobey. NO. NO, and NO again!
Coming FIRST as human allowed God, for the first time in all of the history of mankind, to walk among men without having to say to them, “Don’t be afraid of Me.”
He actually did it for YOU…the Word became flesh!
Audio: (Click forward button below to play audio of message and/or download mp3 file.)
| 01-11-12_the_word_made_flesh_lp.mp3 |
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