Posted by John L. Rothra on December 30, 2009 under Christian Living | 
On Sunday, our church’s music leader commented on the purity and cleanness of new fallen snow. Thinking about this, I realized how snow is a reflection of our life in Christ.
When you look at the fresh layer of glistening white snow covering the fields, there’s a beauty there. How pure, clean, and wondrous it is! The ground is clothed in pure white. Something about that beautiful scene attracts people for various reasons. Children long to play in it while adults enjoy taking in the purity—or join their kids in a snowball fight.
But what about the ground underneath? Beneath the white is brown, muddy ground. When the snow is disturbed by vehicle tires or someone walking around, the ugly mess is exposed and often hides what was clean. While the snow remains, it no longer shows its beauty.
When we put our faith in Jesus, when we believe him, when we confess him as our risen Lord, Jesus covers us in his pure, white righteousness. All the ugliness and sin is covered by Christ. Because of his death, Jesus wipes away our sin and accounts to us his righteousness; we are covered in white. Such holiness, hope, and love attracts many for various reasons.
However, when believers act like the world, following its lusts and desires, committing various sins, the ugliness reveals itself. The righteousness of Christ, while still there, becomes difficult to see. Thus, the attractiveness is diminished.
John wrote to believers, instructing us to show our love and faith by obeying God’s commands (1 John 2:3-6). This means rejecting the values and desires of the world and seeking the values and desires of God (1 John 2:15-17; see also Matt 6:33). Jesus called his followers to “be perfect,” as God is perfect (Matt 5:48). However, he cautioned us not to be righteous to gain accolades in this world or just to look good, which is to do so out of pride. Instead, we should live humbly (Matt 6:1-6; see also Prov. 3:34; James 4:6; and 1 Pet 5:5).
Over the next year, we should strive to let God restore the pure white covering. We should find ways to serve our Lord by working for his kingdom. Help those in need, find ministry opportunities in a local church, and share the Gospel often. Read through and study the Bible over the next year with your spouse and children. Join a Bible study group. Pray more often; pray together with your family. Let 2010 be the year you again show God how much you love him!
Posted by John L. Rothra on December 23, 2009 under Christmas |
Nativity ornament depicts the birth of Christ the Savior.
Every Christmas people sing songs about angels singing and the Savior who was born that miraculous day. Amidst the red Santa hats, green holly, and white snow, churches and Christians remind the world about the true reason for the season: Christ is born. But what was the purpose of Christmas? In other words, why did Jesus come?
Luke records the story about how baby Jesus was brought to the temple after eight days. In the events that followed, we learn the purpose of Christmas.
Simeon Sees the Messiah
25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word;
— Luke 2:25-29 (NASB)
Simeon longed to for the arrival of the Messiah to restore and save God’s people. It is not clear from this text whether Simeon was a priest or other religious leader, only that he was “righteous and devout.” However, there was something he longed for in his life, something greater than himself, a hope beyond his present situation—Simeon longed for Messiah!
Today, many are searching for something out there beyond themselves. Unlike Simeon, they may not know what it is, but they know they want it. Over the past decade, people have become more spiritual, looking for a sense of hope, peace, and purpose in some spiritual realm. Most do not realize that what they search for is Messiah.
God the Spirit promised Simeon that he would not die until he saw Messiah with his own two eyes. Simeon was not told how long that would be or when Messiah would come, nor who it will be. All he knew was that he would live to see Messiah—the timing was up in the air from Simeon’s perspective. Messiah might have come the next day, next year, or even a century later. Simeon had no idea. This promise must have filled him with a sense of hope and joy!
How joyous would you be if you were told, “You will receive all you hope for—at some point in the future. I’m not telling you when, but trust me, it’s coming!” That’s about how clear the message was to Simeon, yet he was overjoyed.
Joseph and Mary bring the newborn child to the temple after eight days. Simeon looks over, sees the child, and immediately knows that child is the Messiah. It was a common practice to bring a baby into the temple. Many children must have passed by Simeon that day and every day he was there. This day, though, the Holy Spirit was in Simeon, revealing to him the identity of this child in Mary’s arms. Jesus was the promised Messiah! That would be like a hospital maternity nurse looking at a newborn and declaring, “That’s the new King of England!” How does she know? How did Simeon know? God told him!
That day Simeon had an encounter with Christ and the Holy Spirit brought him to a point of faith in Jesus. It is our responsibility—and it should be our joy—to help others have an encounter with Jesus by sharing the good news with them. When we do, some will come to faith and some will not; that is up to God. But only when that encounter takes place can the person be saved.
Knowing that God had fulfilled his promise, Simeon was now “released.” This shows tremendous faith on the part of Simeon. To look at a newborn baby and know without a doubt that child was God’s promised Savior is an act of deep conviction. As far as we know, Simeon had never before seen baby Jesus, yet he knew that this child was the Christ. What faith he had!
Jesus Brings Salvation
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel.”
— Luke 2:30-32 (NASB)
Not only does Simeon praise God for keeping his promise that he would see Messiah before he died, Simeon also declared the mission, or purpose, of Messiah’s arrival: to save people. Simeon states that Jesus is the salvation given by God—individuals will be saved through this Christ child. He may not have known how this would occur, but was certain it would happen.
Furthermore, Simeon recognizes that Jesus was part of God’s sovereign plan to save people when he states, “Which You have prepared.” He knew that not only was Jesus the Savior, he was the Savior God intended. Also, Simeon knew that God intended Jesus to arrive at the moment he did. It was all part of God’s big plan! This is why Paul could declare, in harmony with Simeon, that Jesus came and died “at the right time” (Rom 5:6).
Finally, he declared that Jesus will save people from all over the world, regardless of race or nationality. All who believe in him will be saved, no matter the color of their skin or the country in which they were born. Whether Chinese, German, Mexican, Iranian, Russian, Kenyan, or American, all who confess Jesus as their Lord and believe in their hearts that God raised him from the dead will be saved (cf. Rom 10:9). Simeon knew that God is an impartial God (cf. Rom 2:11).
Many today view one or more races as inferior in some way; there are many racists out there. God is not one of them—he loves all races! God is the perfection and basis of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s cry that we not see people for the color of their skin, but the content of their character. When God looks at people, he does not see a white woman or a black man, he sees individuals who have accepted or rejected his son, Jesus. Whatever race you may be, if you believe in Jesus, you are my brother or sister in Christ!
Jesus was Born to Die
Simeon’s declaration of praise reveals the purpose of Christmas: salvation. Jesus came to save individuals by dying on the cross to pay for man’s sin. He came to pay the penalty of death that no human could ever pay. Put simply, Jesus was born to die in place of all who believe in him. By that death, he would save his people.
But not only die, Jesus would be raised from the tomb on the third day and thus defeat death. By this, he grants new life to all those who put their faith in him alone for their salvation.
Christmas is a wonderful, joyous holiday. It is a time of celebration! Christmas celebrates, though, not just the birth of Jesus, but the arrival of the Savior!
Posted by John L. Rothra on December 16, 2009 under Christmas |
Scene from 1954 movie 'White Christmas' with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.
As Christmas approaches, people frantically go from store to store, or website to website, looking for that perfect gift. Songs like “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Jingle Bells” fill the air. Houses are lit up with various colors and trees are covered with precious decorations. Joy is in the air.
But not for everyone. For many, Christmas is a time of sorrow or even depression. Some mourn the loss of a loved one; some suffer due to a tragic event that haunts them each holiday season. Others are depressed because they are unable to provide even a single gift or even one meal for their children. Many see no joy in Christmas.
Why do some experience joy and others not? Is it the things they have or do not have? Is it possible to experience the joy of Christmas no matter how much or little one has? This requires, though, understanding the true joy of Christmas.
After being told by the angel that she would give birth to the Messiah, Mary went to the home of her cousin, Elizabeth. There she praised God in a song known as the Magnificat, or “Mary’s Song.” In this song, recorded in Luke 1:46-55, Luke is showing us the true joy of Christmas.
Christmas is Joyous . . . Because God Freely Gives
46 And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
— Luke 1:46-48 (NASB)
Knowing the good news that she is carrying the promised Savior, Mary rejoices. She “exalts the Lord” and takes delight in him. Two reasons are given for her rejoicing. First, she knows that God honors humility. Notice that she calls herself a “bondslave” (some translations use “slave” or “servant”). She perceives herself as belonging to God, as the possession of God. When she says that she will be considered “blessed,” she is not elevating herself, but is stating how others will perceive her: that she was the one chosen to carry the Christ. God did not reward her humility, but honored it. She did not earn this miracle, God chose to bless her. She praises God because he honors her humble state.
Second, she praises God because he freely gives. She knows that God has given her a gift far beyond imagination. She did not seek this blessing, yet received it. God gave Mary a child—the Savior—because he wanted to. Furthermore, this gift is not for her alone, but will impact future people as well.
The joy of Christmas is that God freely gives.
Christmas is Joyous . . . Because God Gives Salvation
49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. 50 “AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
— Luke 1:49-50 (NASB)
What did God do? He gave Mary and future believers the Messiah. When Mary declares that God “has done great things,” the context points to the child. God has given Mary her Savior. Again, she is not extolling her own virtue (see v. 46), but is giving credit to God, the one who gives. She elaborates further that God did this for his own glory. She exalts God who is bringing glory to his own name.
But Mary knew that the child was not given only to her—though only she would carry and give birth to him. Jesus was given to bless future generations. Two terms are key here: “mercy” and “fear.” The word “mercy” refers to salvation; “fear” refers to faith, belief, respect, and awe rather than terror. Mary is declaring that salvation is given to her and all other believers.
The joy of Christmas is not just that God gives, but that he gives salvation.
Christmas is Joyous . . . Because God Gives to the Humble
51 “He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. 52 “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. 53 “HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; And sent away the rich empty-handed. 54 “He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever.”
— Luke 1:51-55 (NASB)
Just as Mary did not view herself as worthy of carrying the Messiah, for she was just a lowly servant, God gives salvation to the humble. In these last four verses, Mary declares God’s judgment and glorification.
She declares that God “scattered” and “brought down” the prideful. Notice that God judges both the pride of perception and pride of position. The pride of perception, put simply, is having an ego problem. Those who think highly of themselves, who believe they are worthy, holy, righteous, or otherwise deserve things from God. The Creator has no place for such attitudes.
The pride of position does not mean God condemns those in authority. Rather, it means that God judges those who elevate themselves because of their position. It also shows that compared to God, no office, job, or other position is better than any other: the beggar and the CEO are equal in God’s eyes.
God not only humble the proud, he extols the humble. He provides the needs of those who trust him; he cares for the hurting; he helps the helpless. Jesus brings salvation to all who believe in him (cf. Luke 4:18-19).
Thus, the joy of Christmas is God gives salvation, through Jesus, to the humble.
Are you ready to accept God’s gift of salvation? Are you ready to put your hope, faith, and trust in Jesus alone? If so, let us know. We want to help you know who Jesus and help you become active with other fellow believers in your community.
What about those of you already believe in Jesus? Have you shared this joy with someone this week? This month? Will you pledge to share this joy with others? If so, write to us and let us know that (1) you pledge to share the joy of Christmas with others and (2) how many you are sharing it with each week. If someone comes to faith, we want to know that, too, so we can celebrate with the angels the birth of a new believer!
Next Week: The Purpose of Christmas
Posted by John L. Rothra on December 10, 2009 under Christmas |
Scene from classic film, 'The Miracle on 34th Street'
“Miracles happen every day!” or so the saying goes. Depending on whom you ask, what constitutes a miracle will vary. Generally speaking, though, a miracle is perceived as some event that goes against the odds. For example, a comatose patient near death waking suddenly or a person surviving a catastrophic auto accident would be seen as miracles because the odds of either happening are remote.
Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. However, his birth was no ordinary event. In fact, his birth was a miraculous event. Not only because of who Jesus is, but also because of the prophecies that foretold his birth.
What are the Odds?
In order to better understand the extreme odds surrounding the birth of Christ, let’s look at odds of other things occurring.
The odds of . . .
- Being struck by lightning
- in a lifetime – 1:6,250
- in any given year – 1:750,000
- Winning the lottery
- PowerBall – 1:120,000,000
- Mega Millions – 1:135,000,000
- House being hit by meteor – 1:182,000,000,000,000 (trillion)
According to the DVD, The Privileged Planet, the odds of a planetary body—by chance—being able to sustain complex life is 1:1015. That’s 1 followed by fifteen zeros, or one quadrillion. And you thought the United States national debt was huge!
William Dembski, in his book No Free Lunch, calculated what he called the “upper probability bounds.” Put simply, this is the maximum number of probabilities (or possible events) that can occur. Anything that exceeds this is beyond possible. He calculated the upper bound to be 10150. That is 1 followed by 150 zeros, or one trillion trillions. Thus, the odds of any one event happening are, at most, 1:10150.
Many prophecies were written about the Messiah between 500 and 1,500 years before the birth of Christ; at least forty-eight are recorded in Scripture. In his book The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict, Josh McDowell records the following:
The odds of one man fulfilling . . .
- Just eight of those prophecies – 1:1017
- All forty-eight – 1:10157
In other words, it is more likely that a planet will simply, by chance, be able to sustain complex life. Further, the odds of any one man fulfilling all forty-eight requires more probabilities than are possible. Put simply, it is beyond possible for any one man to fulfill the prophesies about the Messiah. It can’t happen on its own. It is simply not possible.
Jesus Beats the Odds
The only way one man could fulfill eight, least of all forty-eight, prophecies is if some divine power was in control. Such a thing is so far beyond the realm of possibility that a deity must break all the odds, break the laws of physics, and make it happen. God must be involved!
Yet, Jesus did. God was involved!
Matthew alone records at least eleven prophecies fulfilled at Jesus’ birth. Eleven! The odds of that are, well, impossible—yet it happened!
What are some of the prophecies?
King in the line of David
1 The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham
– Matthew 1:1 (NASB)
Prophecies fulfilled:
- 2 Samuel 7:12-13
- Isaiah 9:7
- Jeremiah 23:5
- Jeremiah 30:9
Seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
1 The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham: 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.
– Matthew 1:1-2 (NASB)
Prophecies fulfilled:
- Genesis 17:7-8, 19
- Genesis 18:17-18
- Genesis 21:12
- Genesis 26:2-4
- Genesis 28:13-14
- Numbers 24:17, 19
Belongs to the tribe of Judah
1 The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham: 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. 3 Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez was the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram.
– Matthew 1:1-3 (NASB)
Prophecies fulfilled:
- Genesis 49:8-10
- Micah 5:2
Rod of Jesse’s stem
5 Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse. 6 Jesse was the father of David the king. David was the father of Solomon by Bathsheba who had been the wife of Uriah.
– Matthew 1:5-6 (NASB)
Prophecy fulfilled:
Born of a virgin
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” 24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, 25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.
– Matthew 1:18-25 (NASB)
Prophecy fulfilled:
Born in Bethlehem
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’“
– Matthew 2:1-6 (NASB)
Prophecy fulfilled:
Kings bring gifts and worship him
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’“ 7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
– Matthew 2:1-11 (NASB)
Prophecy fulfilled:
He would come out of Egypt
13 Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.” 14 So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. 15 He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON.”
– Matthew 2:13-15 (NASB, see also 2:19-21)
Prophecy fulfilled:
A massacre of children surrounds his birth
16 Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi. 17 Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: 18 “A VOICE WAS HEARD IN RAMAH, WEEPING AND GREAT MOURNING, RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN; AND SHE REFUSED TO BE COMFORTED, BECAUSE THEY WERE NO MORE.”
– Matthew 2:16-18 (NASB)
Prophecy fulfilled:
Jesus Birth is the Miracle of Christmas
The odds were stacked against him, yet Jesus did a miracle. Only by divine control, by the will and power of God, could one man fulfill all these prophecies. When we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we do not celebrate the arrival of any baby. We do not celebrate merely the birth of the Savior. We celebrate the miracle that is the Saviors birth—how Jesus alone broke the odds and fulfilled many prophecies.
Christmas truly is a miraculous time. It is a time to celebrate and worship God who gave us Jesus. Do you know this Jesus? Would you like to know him today? God is ready to perform another miracle in your life by giving you hope, love, and life.
Next week: The Joy of Christmas
