Friday, August 26, 2011
Building People of Substance for Works of Power
It’s really all about Jesus, me and tobie.
I had a remarkable experience during my morning devotions last week. This year I decided to read through the bible again. It had been a while, and I wanted to read it in a new translation. I picked a chronological plan and forged ahead. For 7 months I have read begats and prophets and Israeli history. Then, last week, I opened my reading guide, and lo and behold the day’s reading was in Matthew chapter 1. I had finally arrived at the New Testament. As I devoured that first chapter, I had the most remarkable feeling. I had enjoyed the Old Testament. Much of it was interesting and inspiring and informational, but when I started reading about Jesus – His birth, His life, His sacrifice – it was like being born again, again. There was a sense of relief, almost as if I were breathing fresh mountain air after trudging through the desert. I know I will finish the New Testament in record time. It is just too good to put down!
I guess I said all that to say this: I am so grateful for Jesus. The only difference in the Old and the New is One remarkable Person. I am grateful for a real High Priest. I am grateful that I can come boldly to the real Holy of Holies in the real Heavenly sanctuary. I thank God for a robe of righteousness and a tabernacle that Is inside my own belly so that the cloud will never leave me nor forsake me. I thank God for the blood of Christ that cleanses my conscience and for a Passover Lamb who died once for all. I know some folks revel in the pomp and circumstance of the Old Testament and the liturgy of the historical churches, but I just can’t help but rejoice that Jesus Christ has taken me through the rip in the veil and escorted me into the presence of our Father. I am perfectly welcome there all the time, no ritual required. Whew! Now that’s a breath of fresh air.
Scripture Reading: From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is Himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us. (John 1:16-18 NLT)
Somebody Said: It will make a weak man mighty. it will make a mighty man fall. It will fill your heart and hands or leave you with nothing at all. It’s the eyes for the blind and legs for the lame. It is the love for hate and pride for shame. That’s the power of the gospel. Ben Harper
Sometimes we get bogged down in questions about jots and tittles and miss the sentence. Jesus is the point, the perpetrator, and the Person of the bible account. Without Him it’s just a really boring book. And He’s my friend!
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