John 1:10-13
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
I’ve noticed, as we study of the life of Jesus, we have a tendency to myopically focus on his deity; often at the expense of truly appreciating his humanity. And while it’s totally understandable; it’s completely detrimental to our full understanding of the graces we have received through his sacrifice.
Let’s be clear, we can’t compare ourselves to a deity and expect to gain any understanding. The gifted Christ is far beyond our comprehension. We will never be as spiritually talented as Jesus. We will never experience the range of anointing and miraculous blessings he routinely experienced. Jesus has a unique place and singular space in all of world history. He is the only begotten Son of God. We’re not him. But we can rejoice in knowing, we are God’s children also. And we received that distinction without being spiritually gifted, talented, powerful or astute. We simply need to believe on the name of a man called Jesus.
Not appreciating the strength of character, and selfless demeanor of the man Jesus, aside from his overwhelming giftedness, causes us to miss the most significant aspects of our own salvation. For all his talent, Jesus was still a man. He was human. He dealt with human emotions, weaknesses, temptations, fears, stresses, anxiety, and everything else we all have to fight with every day. And he did all that without once failing God. He lived a sinless life. A life without rebellion against the will of his Father, even though he lived in flesh just like yours and mine.
This insight is essential for us to understand because it affirms our calling and election in God through Christ Jesus. Jesus proved without a shadow of a doubt that with his help, flesh can make it. With the aid of the Holy Ghost, all of us can defeat every enemy, foe, demon, and ourselves. Not only is it possible, it’s our responsibility.
Jesus left this earth with the task of saving the world to us. His life was an example of what could, should and would be accomplished by those that would believe. His finished work at Calvary was the starting point for you and me. And if we are blinded simply by miracles, healings, and grand feats of miraculous proportions, we miss the greatest attribute of our Lord. Jesus was obedient to the voice of God. And if his legacy is to continue, we are the ones that must ensure it survives. Our mission is to further his example.
At all times, and in every situation, Jesus followed the directives of his Father, without regard of consequence. Despite the fact he was the son of God, irrespective of the fact he was born heir to the Kingdom of heaven and ignoring the suffering he had to endure, Jesus trusted and obeyed until the very end. Or should I say, the very new beginning.
And that’s where we come in. John declares, But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. This declaration is of utmost importance. Believing in the name of a Jesus affords us certain rights and privileges. Through that act we become the children of God, heirs and joint - heirs with Christ. But along with this tremendous blessing comes an equally daunting challenge. While we have the authority of a royal sibling, we also inherit the corresponding responsibility. The responsibility established by Jesus. A responsibility to continue the legacy of selflessness, obedience, compassion, love, affection and kindness. The legacy of Christ is not perpetuated by books, writings, scrolls and tablets. The true legacy of Christ is sustained through us.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, our unified, joint affection, and cooperative demonstration of heavenly virtues is exactly what the world is in desperate need of today. We don’t need more prompting. We need to be more attentive to the present voice of the Holy Spirit. We don’t need more giftedness. We need to exercise the gift of obedience we already possess. And we can’t do this alone. I certainly can’t do this alone. I need you. I need you to survive.
God bless
