If you had a business and would be launching a product that would spur your brand name, what marketing enticements would you employ? Would you inaugurate with much pizzazz?
Jesus was different. No funfare! But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.1 John introduced him as the Word who was God that became flesh.2 We don’t know much about his childhood years; although an entire history evolved and was written to prepare his chosen people for his coming.3 In fact, after 400 years of silence, Jesus appears and John declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God,4 who takes away the sin of the world.5
At the age of 30, Jesus begins his ministry by preaching, “Repent!”6 [In present-day-language, “Wrong way! Turn around!”] and choosing his disciples.7 He didn’t sugar-coat his message—he spoke plain and simple truth. But to those who were not seeking God, he spoke in parables. Why? . . . because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.8
He wasn’t a crowd pleaser. Although he promised peace to his disciples,9 likewise, he warned, In the world you will have tribulation.10 But within the hearing of unbelievers, he said, Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No I tell you but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law . . .11 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, . . .12
Imagine with me! Picture yourself flowing with the crowd; then you decide to turn around and go against the flow. Definitely, you would face resistance. The crowd disdains the odd-one; it demands conformity. Similarly, when you believe and decide to serve the LORD,13 you may expect momentary separation, accusations, difficulties. BUT be of good courage! You need not rely on your own strength. Cry to the LORD for help and he sends his battle-scarred-angels to contend for you.14 There is a need for perseverance! Keep walking; eyes straight. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!15
Thus, you are able to rejoice in your suffering.16 As you glance back from a distance, you would see sprawled before your eyes every enemy dead—addictions, depression, difficulties, drunkenness, greed, hopelessness, idols, lack, loneliness, the lust of the flesh, pride, religiosity, self-righteousness, selfishness, sexual immorality, sickness, whatever form of evil. It is finished!17
Don’t take my word alone for it. I urge you to investigate for yourself. Read your Bible; at least a chapter a day. Be intentional. Seek first . . .18 Manage your priorities. You may want to start with the shortest gospel—Mark. Be part of a small group that studies the bible thoroughly in context. “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”19 Don’t settle for the temporal good when you can have the eternal best.
Notes:
1. Galatians 4:4-5
2. John 1:1-5, 14
3. The Old Testament is His Story—a foreshadow of Jesus’ coming.
4. Read Genesis 22, the Sacrifice of Isaac. In answer to Isaac’s question, “. . . but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”
5. John 1:29
6. Matthew 4:17
7. Matthew 4:18-22
8. Matthew 13:10-17
9. John 14:27
10. John 17:33
11. Luke 12:49-53
12. Galatians 5:16-17
13. Joshua 24:14-15
14. Psalm 34:7, 35:1-8
15. Psalm 34:8
16. Romans 5:1-5
17. John 19:30
18. Matthew 6:33
19. Proverbs 9:4-6
