Do You Want to Be Like Jesus?

Matthew 3:11-17; John 1:29-34

“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven, has come near.’” Matthew 3:2

“People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.” Matthew 3:5-6

John’s baptism served two purposes: it prepared the nation for Jesus, and it presented Jesus to the nation.

The essence of John’s message to the people was “repent”. Repentance is more than being sorry for sins. It means calling sin what God calls it, and turning from the sin. It is a change of mind that results in a changed life. My favorite definition of repentance came from a child: “being sorry enough for sin to quit doing it.”

In Israel, Gentiles who wished to embrace Judaism were baptized. But, for Jews to be baptized as a sign of forgiveness of sins was unheard of before John the Baptist. Many of them saw no need to be forgiven. After all, they were God’s chosen people, and they kept the law. Surely, they thought, we don’t need to confess and be baptized. But John had some harsh words for these proud Jews. He made it very plain to them that no one will receive salvation based on his or her ancestry. Each person must come to Christ in repentance and faith to be saved.

John looked forward to the revelation of the Messiah. He said of the coming One, “I baptize you with water for repentance, But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11

God Himself authenticated His Son and His ministry at Jesus’ baptism. When Jesus came up out of the water, the Spirit of God descended like a dove and lighted on Jesus, and a voice from heaven said, “This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17

If John’s baptism was a sign of repentance for sin, and Jesus was sinless, why was He baptized? Several reasons:

• To identify with us in our humanity. 
• To validate the ministry of John the Baptist. 
• To obey that which was obviously a part of God’s plan for His Son. 

Jesus' obedience in baptism gave God an opportunity to authenticate Jesus and His ministry. It introduced the Messiah to Israel and inaugurated Jesus’ ministry. It gave us an example to follow.

Father, thank You for Jesus’ baptism, His identification with us, Your authentication of Him and His ministry--one more credential for Your Son. May we be careful to repent whenever we sin. Amen.

Delivered: New Beginnings and Unbelievable Promises

The angel Gabriel told Zechariah what a unique child God was sending him and his wife. “‘He will be a joy and a delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth for he will be great in the sight of the Lord...He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.’” Luke 1:14 & part of 15

God not only gave special credentials to Jesus so we could recognize Him, but He also gave some special credentials to Jesus’ forerunner, John the Baptist. There was an older couple named Zechariah and Elizabeth who had no children. They were a devout couple who loved God and kept His commandments.

Zechariah was a priest. There were many priests available to serve at the temple, so they served on a rotation basis. They drew lots for their particular service. At the time of our story, Zechariah had drawn the lot that gave him the privilege of burning incense at the altar of incense before the holy of holies. A priest was allowed this privilege only once, and many never drew the lot at all, so this was an extremely important day for Zechariah.

When Zechariah went in to burn the incense, the group of worshipers were praying outside. The people were waiting for Zechariah to come out and wondered why he was staying in the temple so long.

The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah. Gabriel told Zechariah that he and Elizabeth would have a son who was to be named John. He added, “He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Zechariah asked the angel how he could be sure this would happen since he and Elizabeth were old. Gabriel told Zechariah that, because he did not believe him, Zechariah would not be able to speak a word until the baby came. God rebuked Zechariah’s unbelief by this sign.

When Zechariah came out of the temple, he could only gesture, but the people realized something supernatural had happened to him. Shortly afterward, Elizabeth became pregnant. When the baby was born, Zechariah and Elizabeth’s friends and relatives wanted them to name the baby Zechariah after his father, but Elizabeth said, “No! He is to be called John.” (Luke 1:60) They said you don’t have any relatives named John. Then they asked Zechariah what he wanted to name the baby, and Zechariah wrote, “His name is John.” At that, Zechariah was able to speak again.

John fulfilled a prophecy in the Old Testament, Malachi 4:5-6a that says, “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents…” Jesus Himself said that John the Baptist was the fulfillment of that prophecy in Malachi.  In Matthew 11:14, we read Jesus’ words about John, “And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.” John prepared the Israelites spiritually for the coming Messiah by calling on people to repent of their sins and change their lives.

Thank you, Father, for John the Baptist who pointed the way to Jesus and prepared many of the Israelites to accept Him. May I point the way to Jesus, too. Amen.

Where Are You From? Who Are Your People?

“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” Luke 2:22

Jesus’ parents took Him to the temple in Jerusalem according to God’s instructions. There were two very devout people in the temple who recognized the fact that the baby Jesus was the Messiah the Jews had been expecting for many years. The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would see the Messiah before he died. The Spirit moved Simeon to go into the temple courts at the exact time when Mary and Joseph arrived with baby Jesus. God is always right on time. He is never late, although we are afraid He will be late or think that He is already late, according to our timetable.

Simeon took baby Jesus in his arms and praised God for keeping His promise to allow him to see the Messiah. He said, in essence, “Now I can die in peace.” He said, “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:30-32) Then Simeon blessed them and pronounced this prophecy, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:34b-35)

There was also a prophet named Anna in the temple. She had been married for seven years but now was an 84 year old widow. She never left the temple but prayed and fasted night and day. When she saw the baby, she came up to Mary and Joseph, and “she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38b) These two very devout people were directed by the Holy Spirit to declare that Jesus was not only a very special baby--most parents think that about their children--but they indicated that He was the long expected Messiah Himself. This evidence alone would not be enough to prove that Jesus was the Messiah, but it adds weight to the other evidences that prove His claim.

Father, thank You for all the credentials You gave Jesus when He came to earth so we could know He really is Your Son. Amen.

What Is Your Response to the Birth of Jesus?

“As for you, Bethlehem of Ephrathah, though you are the least significant of Judah’s forces, one who is to be a ruler in Israel on my behalf will come out from you. His origin is from remote times, from ancient days.” Micah 5:2 (Common English Bible)

Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth, but the prophecy in Micah 5:2 said the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. God moved Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor, to issue a decree that a census would be taken of everyone in the Roman world. Joseph was required to register in Bethlehem, so Mary and Joseph made the journey there. While they were in Bethlehem, the baby Jesus was born, fulfilling the prophecy in Micah. Don’t you just love watching the sovereignty of God at work?!

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Messiah’s birth was the humble circumstances of His arrival. The birth itself took place in a stable. Jesus’ first bed was a manger, a feeding trough for animals. The birth announcement was given, not to the Bethlehem Daily News, but to lowly shepherds watching their sheep. Jesus came for all people. No one is too insignificant to  be included in God’s plan of salvation.

After Jesus’ birth, an angel appeared to some shepherds who were in the field watching their flocks and said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10b-11) Then a great company of angels appeared, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)

The shepherds searched until they found the baby Jesus, and they worshiped Him. They they spread the word about His birth.

God sent a special star to guide some wise men from afar to the baby Jesus. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby.

In these scenes, we see different responses to the coming of Jesus. The shepherds responded to the announcement of the angel by seeking Jesus until they found Him. Then they worshiped Him. Afterward they shared this amazing news with others.

The wise men brought gifts. Giving is a part of worship. It expresses gratitude for all that God has given us. It has been well said that we can give without loving, but we cannot love without giving.

Herod sought to kill Jesus, and there is much opposition to Him in our world today. The religious leaders paid no attention to Jesus. They made no effort to find Him. So we have possible responses to His coming of opposition, indifference, seeking Jesus, worshiping Jesus, giving Jesus gifts, and telling others about Jesus. How have you responded?

Father, may I respond to the birth of Jesus into the world by seeking His company; by worshiping Him; by giving Him gifts of time, energy, and resources; and, by telling others the amazing story of His birth and helping them find Him, too. Amen.

What Comes in December?

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”  Luke 2:11

I had a sweet surprise this week. I was chatting with my four year old great granddaughter, Annie, and she mentioned that it was December.  Naturally, I asked her what comes in December. I was prepared to hear about Santa Claus or presents but I was thrilled when she answered “Baby Jesus”.

After my younger daughter was married and had children of her own, she was bustling around getting everything ready for Christmas one year. She looked at me and said, “I liked it better when you did all the work and I just enjoyed Christmas!” I guess she did. She is the same daughter who told me recently “making memories is a lot of work”. We love making happy memories for our grandchildren but it is a lot of work.

What does the coming of Christmas mean to you? Is it shopping and decorating and cooking and going to parties and pageants? Are you all caught up in the peripheral parts of Christmas? Overwhelmed by all that needs to be done? Or do you draw apart often during the Christmas season to meditate on what the coming of the baby Jesus means in the world and in your life?

I always loved seeing the children in our family and the wonder and excitement on their faces as Christmas approached. My husband was not what I would call a “Christmas person”.  Now that he is spending his Christmases in heaven, it has become my job to pay property taxes at the end of the year, to decide which financial decisions needs to be made before the year ends, and get ready to pay part of my income tax in January. These business responsibilities have given me insight as to why my husband wasn’t as thrilled to see Christmas and the end of the year roll around as I was.

What about you? Do you feel so overwhelmed with business and financial decisions that must be made before January 1 that you feel like Scrooge? Or do you take time out to thank and praise God for business and finances to support your family? Do you draw apart often during December to meditate on what the coming of baby Jesus means to you, your family, and the way you are living your life?

Who comes in December? Baby Jesus! Are you welcoming him anew this year?

Father, may we focus on the coming of Your Son into this world. Bless in our celebration of His birth. Amen.

God's Everything

"For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness."  Colossians 2:9-10a

The Reverend Ron Dunn used to say,  "Jesus is God's everything!"  The earmarks of our Christmas celebration highlight some of the major needs of man, and they are fulfilled in Jesus.

We string lights on our Christmas trees and our houses in an effort to counter the darkness of a sinful, painful world and the starkness of our everyday existence.  Jesus is the Light of this dark, evil world, and He brings goodness, brightness, and cheerfulness to our day-to-day lives.  Just as we use bright colors in ribbon, wrapping paper, and decorations, Jesus colors our lives with hope, peace, and joy.

Think of the wonderful, familiar music of Christmas.  Jesus brings music to the souls of those who walk closely with Him.

We give gifts in an effort to express recognition, appreciation, and love in a tangible way.  God has given us the greatest Gift ever given to show us how high and deep and wide His love is for us.  At Christmas we give generously to those who are less fortunate materially, and God gives to us, not only generously, but lavishly.  In fact, all good gifts ultimately come from God.

During the holidays we gather with family and friends with a desire to be loved.  Just as we are born into a physical family when we are babies, when we become Christians, God places us into His forever family with many brothers and sisters.  The fatherhood of God presupposes the brotherhood of man.  And Jesus is our Best Friend who sticks with us through all the parts of life.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the supernatural, the miraculous entered this natural world.  When we light the Christ candle on the Advent Wreath, or as we ponder how we have celebrated the coming of Christ into the world, let us remember always that He is our Light, our Hope, our Peace, our Joy, our Love, our Gift, our Best Friend, and our Miracle--our Everything.

Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus and everything You have given us with Him.  Amen.

4 Gifts on Everyone's Christmas List

The fifth candle of an Advent wreath is the Christ candle. It is the most important candle of all because, without Christ, we would not have the hope, peace, love, or joy represented by the other four candles.  All of these qualities originate in God and come to us through Christ.

We would still be in our sins, without hope for the future, had Christ not died so we could be forgiven and know that we have an eternal home in heaven.  Colossians 1:27 tells us,  "God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."  1 Timothy 4:10 gives us these words,  "That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe."  And Psalm 146:5 says,  "Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God."

Our peace comes to us through the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Ephesians 2:14a tells us of Jesus,  "For he himself is our peace..."  In John 14:27 we read these words of Jesus,  "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you."  In John 16:37a Jesus said,  "I have told you these things so that in me you might have peace..."  Isaiah 26:3 has this wonderful promise,  "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."

We are able to love God and to love others with God's love, which comes to us because Jesus Christ died for us.  Romans 5:5b,  "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."  When Jesus returned to heaven, He sent us the Holy Spirit, Who gives us God's love.

Truly it is knowing Christ and walking closely step by step with Him that floods ours hearts with joy,  That joy nourishes our spirits and enables us to endure the trials and tribulations of life with full and grateful hearts.  We might each say with Acts 2:21, "You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence."

Everything we are and everything we have is a gift from God, given to us because of His precious, holy Son, the Christ of Christmas and of everyday.

Father, thank You for giving us hope, peace, love, and joy.  Most of all, thank You for giving us Jesus, through Whom You have given us so many good things. Amen.