GOODNEWS LETTER
Number 351 December 22, 2010
JESUS Was Born To Die
To Pilate, Jesus said, "..To this end was I born
and for this cause came I into the world, that I
should bear witness unto the truth," John 18:37.
The Second Person of the GodHead willingly entered man, overcame the flesh and finally, died on behalf of Adam's offspring. He paid the price for sin and now we are free in Him.
Although, this plan was "... ordained before the foundation of the world" (I Peter 1:20), we see the man-side of Jesus during His final hours on the earth. Facing death - especially, the horrifying death of the cross, the Savior needed to get reassurance from His Father. It was now time to complete the agreement that was made eons earlier. And, as always, Jesus prayed for heavenly guidance and strength.
Certainly, the cross that lay ahead was not an easy task for Jesus. The scene gives us some sense of His stuggle between the flesh and the spirit. Faced with this final lissue to save mankind, Jesus asked God's aide to fulfill His will. There, in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus "fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt," Matthew 26:39.
When it comes to God's original creation of man, we find that the physical life and spiritual life are intertwined. And, when man FELL from grace in the Edenic Garden, he totally fell. His body, soul and spirit would live in sin until it was paid for; which, Jesus came to do.
Further, in the New Creation of Christ, we understand that a strong and emotional passion confronts us even today. Anytime we make decisions for life, we must seek help. This was the case in the life of Jesus. In order to make the correct decision, it was needful for Jesus to comfirm every move with His Father.
Truly, this is what the Savior lived and taught. In Matthew 6:8, Jesus said, "...your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before you ask Him." Having said that, He gave the prayer that is commonly called "The Lord's Prayer." Although, it really should be understood as the Disciples Prayer, the important thing is that it must become a daily experience in our life.
We always read of Jesus looking upward. He always sought His Father's okay before He acted. And, this is what the act of faith is all about - seeking God's will - making it a FIRST in our life. Abraham did! He looked for a city who's architect was God. The land of the Chaldeans was no longer appealing to Abraham, who listened to the Lord's direction each time. Christians have to learn to listen, as well.
Looking upward means: looking forward! This is the view of faith and, it has an amazing effect upon the believer that nothing else can accomplish. Simply, staying busy in religious activity is not the answer to service. Not even church work or, orgizational deeds, can fulfill our hearts like God, Himself. We have to remember the words of Jesus in the great commission of the church. His words are sweet. "...and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world," Matthew 28:20b.
Clearly, we go to church to meet with Jesus; a place that He designated. In the assembly, may be we see many or a few; it doen't matter. As long as He is "in the midst," our service is acceptable to the Lord. The Holy Spirit brings us, teaches us and, presents a risen Savior to us as we walk from the place of meeting and go "into all the world."
While many recognize this statement as the truth, far too many attempt to start their service from the attitude of 'What can I do.' And, from this same fleshly approach, they miss the experience of walking as Abraham walked.
This year and, the next one coming, do your best to view this life with counsel. Use a manager. Allow Jesus to manage and make all the decisions for you and you'll walk like Abraham did - by faith. After all, the Son managed His Father's will quite nicely, didn't He?