Good Morning Friends,
“Beyond all question, the mystery of
godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was
seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was
taken up in glory.” (1 Timothy 3:16)
When the word “mystery” was used by those who
spoke Greek, like Paul, it referred to something that was once hidden and was
now revealed. That is a very good description of the coming of Jesus Christ
into the world. Although the Old Testament provides prophetic hints about the
coming of the Messiah, few could really understand what God was going to do to redeem
mankind, it was hidden. But it wasn’t hidden forever! There came a day when God
revealed His plan so that it could be clearly seen.
“He appeared in body.” God came into the
world Himself. He didn’t send an angel to represent Him. He didn’t pick the
holiest human being He could find and empower him. He came Himself, in humility
and as the greatest expression of love imaginable.
“He was vindicated by the Spirit.” The life
of Jesus was no ordinary life. Miracles happened when Jesus was present. He
healed the sick, raised the dead, fed the hungry, calmed the storm, walked on
water, and did those kinds of things over and over. The Spirit’s power was
evident in the life of Jesus, God’s miraculous mark was on Him.
“He was seen by angels.” The announcement to
Mary, the visit to Joseph, the appearance to the shepherds announcing His
birth, their ministry to Jesus in Gethsemane, the angels knew something special
was happening on earth when Jesus came. Their presence and ministry testified
to the uniqueness of Jesus.
“He was preached among the nations and
believed on in the world.” From poor fishermen, like Peter; to learned
scholars, like Paul. From priests, to reprobates. The stories of the lives
changed by the Gospel of Jesus are amazing and testify that God is in those
stories. And lives are still being changed today by the power of Jesus.
“He was taken up in glory.” Death didn’t hold
Him. The world couldn’t keep Him. He has returned to His rightful place of
honor and glory by the right hand of God.
It’s an amazing story! He did it all for you
and me, so that we could be saved.
His, by Grace,
Steve
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