SEARCHLIGHT
Are you ready to experience a turning point in your life?
SCRIPTURE
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph, her husband, was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name of Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” [which means “God with us”]. Matthew 1:18-22 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
History is filled with turning points. A turning point is far more than just an important happening or event that occurs. It is something that causes tremendous change. The discovery of internet technology has impacted the world. World wars have caused world change. There are many other turning points that could be mentioned but there are 4 that are incomparable to all the others. Here is the reason why. These 4 turning points have not only changed the past but continue to change the present and will change the future. They are the INCARNATION, the CRUCIFIXION, the RESURRECTION, and the ASCENSION. For the next 4 devotionals we will learn the importance of celebrating these world-impacting turning points in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Just how important is the incarnation of Jesus Christ? If there is no incarnation, then there is no way you or I or anyone can personally know the Creator of the universe. Mark it down! The incarnation is a pivotal point in history. It marks the beginning of Christianity.
Unfortunately, many people and even self-identified Christians value the loving, forgiving lifestyle of Jesus but do not care whether or not He is divine. There are an increasing number of churches that celebrate the goodness and kindness of Jesus but rarely mention His virgin birth.
Such people believe that man can rise to the highest form of living just like Jesus or other memorable human beings like Buddha, Confucius, or Gandhi.
The question that needs to be answered is whether man needs peace or salvation? What is man’s greatest need? Someone said, “If man’s greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If man’s greatest need had been technology, God would have sent a scientist. If man’s greatest need had been money, God would have sent an economist. If man’s greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent an entertainer. But man’s greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent His Son to be man’s Savior.”
In Matthew’s Gospel, we learn to celebrate the incarnation. Today’s Scripture focus describes the birth of Jesus Christ. Note the following: First, Jesus is identified as the Messiah. Second, Jesus was divinely conceived by the Holy Spirit. Third, God sent one of his heavenly messengers to convey this message to Joseph. Fourth, the angel told him that the baby Mary was carrying had been divinely conceived. Fifth, the angel identified that the baby was a boy. Sixth, Joseph must name the baby “Jesus” because, seventh, this baby would be the Savior. Eighth, this baby boy would be fulfilling a prophetic prediction given by Isaiah approximately 700 years before this divine birth. [Isaiah 7:14] Ninth, this baby would be born to a virgin, underscoring that this was a supernatural birth. Tenth, this baby will also be known as “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us.” It is obvious that Matthew wanted his audience to celebrate the incarnation.
The Bible is very explicit about defining the importance of the incarnation. Read John 1:1-3,14; 8:58; 17:5; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15,16; 2:9,10.
The incarnation brought heaven to earth. God visited planet earth. The invisible God Who created the world and life became visible. He chose to reveal His identity. In essence, God was saying that He had not abandoned man but was choosing to show His love and care for humanity.
Without the incarnation you cannot personally know God. Because of the incarnation God invites you to know His character. He is not a figment of imagination or a force. Neither is God a fatherly grandfather with a white beard. He is the Almighty Creator who is looking to have a personal relationship with you. God is infinite but chooses to become finite so you can identify with Him. His longing is for you to rise to your highest purposes. God begins to fulfill this longing by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, from a sinless heaven to this sin-based world.
If Jesus was not born, then there is no reason to be a Christian. The birth of Jesus Christ is significant to everything that the Bible says about reconciling man to God. Without Christ’s birth, there is no Messiah for this sin dominated world. Jesus became just like you. He had flesh which meant He had problems, pain, and weaknesses. Yes, Jesus was God, but He came to earth to become one of us. What an indescribable gift God gave to you and me and all we who believe. Never forget! Jesus was born so that you can be born again. [John 3:3,7]
The story is told about a wise Persian ruler who loved his people and wanted to know how they lived. His desire was to know about their hardships so he would often dress in the clothes of a working man or beggar and go to the homes of the poor. The king’s identity never became known. For all those he visited, never did they discover that they were entertaining their king.
One time he visited a very poor man who lived in a cellar. The king ate the course food that the poor man ate and spoke cheerful, kind words to him. Then he left. Later, the king visited the poor man again and disclosed his identity by saying, “I am your king!” The king thought the man would surely ask for some gift or favor, but he did not. Instead, he said, “You left your palace and all its glory to visit me in the dark, dreary place. You ate the coarse food I ate. You brought gladness to my heart with your encouraging words! To others you have given your rich gifts. To me you have given yourself!”
This is precisely what God did. He took on flesh and became human to live with man. The Lord Jesus Christ gave Himself to you and me and anyone who believes. Jesus gave Himself so you might discover your true self. CELEBRATE THE INCARNATION!
SOMETHING TO DO
C.S. Lewis said, “Our whole being, by its very nature is one vast need; incomplete, preparatory, empty, yet cluttered, crying out for Him who can untie things that are now knotted together and tie up things that are still dangling loose. [Lewis, The Four Loves, page 13,14] Become complete, fulfilled, uncluttered, and unknotted. Be enriched by reading the many Bible verses cited in this devotional. Pray and ponder about them.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, I cannot begin to fathom or thank you enough for revealing Yourself. I realize my highest privilege is to personally know You. I so desire to want to know You more today than I did yesterday. My desire is to love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. AMEN!