12/22/04 – The Best News of All

The Jewish people living around the time of Jesus’ birth were on heightened alert, awaiting the news that their Messiah would come. They had been anticipating this arrival for years and now some of them believed that He had finally come. He would be the One who would fulfill all of the prophecies that would finally set them free. But, could this possibly be the Messiah, in a manger filled with hay? Would He not be coming as a King?

As Jesus grew, He spent a great deal of time among the Jewish leaders. He was going through the process of becoming a “Jewish leader” Himself. He amazed the learned leaders with His knowledge of the Scriptures and, even more so, His understanding of the Scriptures. He continually challenged their beliefs and traditions, which made many of them very uncomfortable. Could this possibly be the One sent by God who now presumes to teach US? He’s just a child – Who does He think He is telling us how we should be living our lives?

As Jesus grew to be a man, the ‘sinners’ (who would have included all of us!) were blown away by Jesus’ attention to them. They were used to being completely rejected and shunned by the rest of their community. But, yet Jesus felt the need to spend time with them, eating meals and just ‘hanging out’ with tax collectors, prostitutes, those from other nations, and the needy. They were encouraged and a bit confused when Jesus affirmed His concern and love for them. He would often send them away with a “you have been forgiven – go and sin no more” message. Who was this Man who could forgive sins – especially those of the most unappealing individuals of His time? Why would He spend time with me, a sinner?

Then the time came which would fulfill the very reason He was born. If this event had not taken place, we would not be reading about His birth, life, or time spent with others. He would be just another man and we would still be waiting for the Messiah. Dying on a cross or stake was a common punishment for a criminal. But, dying on a cross and then coming back to life three days later was something altogether different. Never before had a completely innocent man died in such a way. There were many desiring His death – the Jews, Romans, and others who feared that His leadership would thwart the leaders’ efforts to rule ‘their’ people. The only way to get rid of Him would be to falsely accuse Him of some crime and crucify Him. But, did they spend time in the ancient Scriptures learning the prophecies of His death? Did they understand that death could not keep Him down?

Jesus did indeed rise on the third day after His crucifixion. He appeared and astonished hundreds who physically saw Him before He ascended back to heaven forty days later. He gave the Holy Spirit to those who believed in Him in order to give them the power to continue His work here on earth. And He commissioned them with spreading the good news to everyone who would listen. Would you have listened then? Will you listen now?

When it comes to medical ‘stuff’, one thing that really frustrates me is a friend/relative who knows they need to see a doctor for a particular lump, ailment, or other problematic symptom, but they neglect going for fear of the unknown. The fear of the unknown in a medical situation is similar to the unknown in getting to know Christ personally. They can both seem scary, but the benefits far outweigh the fear. The consequences for neglecting both of these needs could be devastating – one temporary (this life) and one permanent (eternity).

The need to go to the Great Physician is infinitely more important. He can heal your soul and give you a completely new life, even if you think your life is pretty good without Him. When something like divorce, death in the family, or a cancer diagnosis hits, our own strength doesn’t last long and we are left only with hope for the best life this earth has to offer.

This life is nothing compared to the peace and splendor that we will experience in heaven if we know Christ. He promised before He went back to heaven with His Father that He would be getting a place ready for us. Can you imagine how amazing it will be since He’s been working for two thousand years on our new home? It only took Him 6 days to create the beauty we see here in His creation; how much more glorious is heaven going to be?

I wanted to share this Good News with you at this time because we celebrate the birth of Jesus in a few days. We know it’s not the exact day He was born, but it is a time when we honor Him and what He came here to do. I’m taking my commission seriously by sharing these things with you, especially anyone who doesn’t know Him personally YET! Could this be the day of YOUR salvation? The day that you realize something is missing in your life and you want to experience peace and forgiveness and having a loving God with you at all times? If it is your day, please don’t let it go by without acting on it. Talk to someone who you know has a relationship with Jesus – someone in whom you see evidence of a walk with God. Or, talk to me! It would be the thrill of my life to have even one of you express interest in learning more about what it means to have a friend like Jesus. I would love to introduce you to Him. He has been my Rock, my Shelter, my Comfort, my Answers, my Peace, my Abba (Daddy), my Song, and so much more. He could be the same (and anything else your heart needs) for you.

I love you all – those of you who share this journey of faith and those who have not yet made that jump. But, Jesus loves each and every one of you infinitely more than I could! That’s the best news of all!

Merry Christmas – Celebrate Jesus!
Stephanie

p.s. If you want to get started and aren’t sure you’re ready to talk to someone yet, begin by reading the book of Luke. It is my favorite account of the gospel. There are four accounts written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Luke gave great insight into the details of Jesus’ life and reading it is the perfect way to get to know Him.