Tuesday Thought -- February 14, 2012

Good Morning Friends,

“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:  His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and 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 Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’” (Matthew 1:18-21)

From the very beginning of His life Jesus’ purpose was to save us from our sins.  More accurately, His purpose was planned in eternity before He was ever born!  His name, Jesus, reflects the purpose of His life.  Jesus comes from the Hebrew word “Joshua” and means “Jehovah is salvation” or “Jehovah is Savior.”  That is the purpose for which He came, to bring salvation to us.

Paul declared that God had been planning this since before time and waited patiently until the time was just right.  “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5)  Peter made the same point, “He was chosen before the creation of the world.” (1 Peter 1:20)

Sometimes when people consider the story of the birth of Jesus, it is as though it is just a beautiful story of the humble birth of a great man … like Lincoln being born in a log cabin.  But from God’s perspective, that’s not at all what it is.  Even from the time He was born, God knew what Jesus was here to do.  The cross cast its shadow across Jesus’ entire life.  The cross cast its shadow across the manger!  God sent Jesus knowing full well what the world would do to Him.  He knew the mocking Jesus would get.  The hatred that would be spewed out on Him.  The fact that many would not listen to Him.  The betrayal He would face.  The pain, the torture, and the death that awaited Him.

Knowing what He was coming to, God still sent Jesus.  He did it for you and me.  That’s how much He loved, and loves, us.

His, by Grace,

Steve