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Friday, December 18, 2009 Print Article
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What Incarnation Means to You and Me
Alan Riley
Have you ever noticed that we church folk are sometimes infatuated with our own vocabulary? Our language (sometimes referred to as "Christianese") is full of humongous words that are used to describe basic tenets of our faith. Words like "justification," "sanctification," "atonement," and my all-time favorite, "propitiation."
I'm afraid sometimes when we couch spiritual truth in obscure multi-syllable words, we make the gospel - the good news - less accessible to those who didn't grow up in church and hear the term "transubstantiation" shortly after graduating from Kindergarten. Most, if not all of our fancy theological terms can be explained in a much more accessible way with easier to understand words and terms (but I sound SO much smarter if I use the big words!)
Karl Barth was a complicated German Theologian whose work Christian Dogmatics is widely regarded as one of the most important theological treatises of the last 250 years. It encompasses thirteen volumes, six million words, and it took him from 1932 until shortly before his death in 1968 to complete. Some of it is literally impossible to grasp without a theological background. When lecturing at Princeton University in 1962, Barth was asked by a student, "Dr. Barth, what's the most profound thing you have ever heard?"
The brilliant theologian rested his hand on his chin for a moment, deep in thought. The students were waiting with pen in hand to write down his answer. Then he spoke: "Jesus loves me, this I know... for the Bible tells me so."
Many times the most profound things are the simplest to express. So it is with the spiritual terminology surrounding Christmas. Have you ever heard the word "Incarnation?" Or that Jesus is "God Incarnate?" Sounds mysterious and obscure, doesn't it? The meaning is really quite simple. It means "embodied in flesh." A pastor friend of mine put it even simpler than that: Incarnation means "God with skin on."
When the birth of Jesus was foretold by the prophet Isaiah, he said that his name would be Emmanuel, which means "God with us." God with us! Not far off in heaven somewhere, but one of us. Jesus is at the same time fully God and fully man.
That's not to say that the concept of the Incarnation is not a mystery. It is no doubt a great mystery. Contemporary theologian J.I. Packer wrote "Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as is the truth of the Incarnation." But just because something is a mystery doesn't make it obscure or difficult to grasp. The operation of my car is for the most part a mystery to me, but that doesn't stop me from driving it every day. The vast expanse of the universe is a mystery to me, but that won't stop me from enjoying the sunset tonight, or giving praise to God as I look out at the stars. The fact that my wife loves me and puts up with me is most certainly a mystery to me, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying my life together with her.
Likewise, I don't need to understand the mysteries of the union of Godhead and manhood in the person of Jesus Christ to know that what it means to me in practical terms is God is with me. Not far removed, not untouched by my pain or my problems, not a cosmic force who set the world in motion and then watches dispassionately from a distance, but a personal God who has been where I am, was tempted as I am, and who invites me to cast all of my cares on Him.
This is what incarnation means: His name is Emmanuel, which means God with me... and with you! Rejoice!
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith's sister media property. From 2006-2009 he served as Director of Web Operations and Managing Editor for Streaming Faith. An ordained Baptist Minister, Alan is a frequent contributor to the Streaming Faith Daily Devotional. He can sometimes be found blogging at www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.
© Alan Riley all rights reserved.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Word Made Flesh
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Thursday, December 17, 2009 Print Article
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The Word Made Flesh
Rev. James C. Matthews
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14
John 1:14 is one of the most revealing scriptures in the Bible. It not only reveals God Himself having come as one of us, but a kingdom principle that God intends for us to live by. This principle simply stated is: Every word God speaks, He intends for it to be made flesh - or manifest! If this is true, and believers desire to see God's Word manifest in their lives, why is there so little manifestation taking place? It is not that the Word is impotent or insufficient. Far from it! The answer lies in our lack of understanding concerning the biblical principle and process by which God has ordained manifestation occur.
Many people have become frustrated, and even fainted, due to a lack of manifestation in their lives as it pertains to the Word of God. They hear and believe the Word of God, but are still waiting on the promises to manifest in their lives. We misunderstand what the Word of God is and how it manifests in our lives. Manifestation is really the revelation of what was there all the time - it just wasn't visible. Manifestation is a two part process that involves both God and man. God initiates the process by providing the spiritual substance of the thing, then man is responsible for doing what is necessary in the natural to prepare a place for it to manifest. Without both there will be no manifestation.
"Now faith (the Word of God) is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, brackets added). This scripture reveals that God has provided the substance of all things we hope for through His Word. Our ability to see what we're hoping for is dependent upon a place being prepared in the natural.
This is more clearly seen in John 1:1 and John 1:14. It reads, "In the beginning was the word' ... 'And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The Word has been there all the time. However, when God decided to make His Word flesh or to manifest it, He had to find a "prepared place" (Mary's womb) for the Pre-existing Word to manifest itself. Man now could see what had been there from the beginning. We first receive a thing by our hearing before it can pass through our hands.
As I considered this revelation, the Holy Spirit revealed to me, there is so little manifestation in believers' lives because they do not understand that God provides for us by speaking to us. Every provision God has given man has come from His mouth. They continue to look for things at the mailbox, another person or through a job, when the authorized means of manifestation begin in the Word. God has done His part - He has given us His Word. We must receive and prepare to see what He has said.
I praise God for His Word that was made flesh! When we were helplessly lost and desperately indebted to sin, God sent His Word to be made flesh for us. The same Word that created all things (Hebrews 11:3, Colossians 1:16), became a man so that He could die for all men and pay a debt that we could not pay. I thank God that His Word became flesh! Even more so, I am glad that His Word has found a prepared place in me and become flesh!
Pastor James C. (J.C.) Matthews is the founder and Senior Pastor of the multi-cultural non-denominational Dunamis Life Ministries of Dallas, Texas. Pastor Matthews is known for his love of God's Word, unusual wisdom, passionate preaching style and gift of practically applying scripture to everyday. He is the author of the Saved but Stuck: 30 Days to Personal Revival". "I'll Come... When I Get Myself Together" and "My Situation Is Not My Destination - Only Preparation". J.C. Matthews lives in the Dallas / Ft. Worth Texas area with his wife Gena and four children.
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Thursday, December 17, 2009 Print Article
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The Word Made Flesh
Rev. James C. Matthews
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14
John 1:14 is one of the most revealing scriptures in the Bible. It not only reveals God Himself having come as one of us, but a kingdom principle that God intends for us to live by. This principle simply stated is: Every word God speaks, He intends for it to be made flesh - or manifest! If this is true, and believers desire to see God's Word manifest in their lives, why is there so little manifestation taking place? It is not that the Word is impotent or insufficient. Far from it! The answer lies in our lack of understanding concerning the biblical principle and process by which God has ordained manifestation occur.
Many people have become frustrated, and even fainted, due to a lack of manifestation in their lives as it pertains to the Word of God. They hear and believe the Word of God, but are still waiting on the promises to manifest in their lives. We misunderstand what the Word of God is and how it manifests in our lives. Manifestation is really the revelation of what was there all the time - it just wasn't visible. Manifestation is a two part process that involves both God and man. God initiates the process by providing the spiritual substance of the thing, then man is responsible for doing what is necessary in the natural to prepare a place for it to manifest. Without both there will be no manifestation.
"Now faith (the Word of God) is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1, brackets added). This scripture reveals that God has provided the substance of all things we hope for through His Word. Our ability to see what we're hoping for is dependent upon a place being prepared in the natural.
This is more clearly seen in John 1:1 and John 1:14. It reads, "In the beginning was the word' ... 'And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The Word has been there all the time. However, when God decided to make His Word flesh or to manifest it, He had to find a "prepared place" (Mary's womb) for the Pre-existing Word to manifest itself. Man now could see what had been there from the beginning. We first receive a thing by our hearing before it can pass through our hands.
As I considered this revelation, the Holy Spirit revealed to me, there is so little manifestation in believers' lives because they do not understand that God provides for us by speaking to us. Every provision God has given man has come from His mouth. They continue to look for things at the mailbox, another person or through a job, when the authorized means of manifestation begin in the Word. God has done His part - He has given us His Word. We must receive and prepare to see what He has said.
I praise God for His Word that was made flesh! When we were helplessly lost and desperately indebted to sin, God sent His Word to be made flesh for us. The same Word that created all things (Hebrews 11:3, Colossians 1:16), became a man so that He could die for all men and pay a debt that we could not pay. I thank God that His Word became flesh! Even more so, I am glad that His Word has found a prepared place in me and become flesh!
Pastor James C. (J.C.) Matthews is the founder and Senior Pastor of the multi-cultural non-denominational Dunamis Life Ministries of Dallas, Texas. Pastor Matthews is known for his love of God's Word, unusual wisdom, passionate preaching style and gift of practically applying scripture to everyday. He is the author of the Saved but Stuck: 30 Days to Personal Revival". "I'll Come... When I Get Myself Together" and "My Situation Is Not My Destination - Only Preparation". J.C. Matthews lives in the Dallas / Ft. Worth Texas area with his wife Gena and four children.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
My Skin For His
Wednesday, December 16, 2009 Print Article
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My Skin For His
Milan Ford
For the past fifteen years (perhaps even longer), I have struggled with the discoloration of my skin due to poor acne growing up. Like most young people growing up, acne was that distant cousin no one wanted around, but kept showing up uninvited and more often than not, with friends.
Like many young adults who are still recovering from skin scars from their adolescent years, I have just about tried every product in the book. Some have worked, most have not. As one particular dermatologist told me earlier this year (while I was standing in a grocery checkout line):
"It takes longer to heal from a scar than it does to actually make one."
Honestly, I didn't know whether to respond with "thank you" or "did I ask for your opinion" - it's amazing how your flaws (when visible to the public) have a way of constantly drawing someone else's diagnosis even when you haven't asked for it.
As a leader (and survivor of ministry) within the local church, my appearance is often something that has been a private prison for me. Despite the unconditional love of my wife and three children, there are still times when I shy away from taking some family photos, and when it comes to meeting with other leaders or friends, keeping eye contact remains a tall mountain to climb.
About a week or so ago, while standing in my bathroom, preparing to test yet another skin care product someone had recommended, I was reminded of this incredibly powerful passage of scripture found in John 1:1-5v:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was the life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Now skip down to the 14th verse:
And the Word became FLESH and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
I want to speak directly to everyone reading this today who may have a problem with the 'skin' that they find themselves in right now. Whether you are having a challenge regarding your weight, finding meaningful relationships, locating a new job, or perhaps just holding onto the job you have now...
...please do not allow your quest for personal improvement to cause you to lose sight of the glorious image our Father has provided us all through His Son, Jesus Christ.
I realize that your new year's resolution list is piling up yet again concerning some of the things you desire to change about yourself, but before you invest in yet another self-help product, be sure to spend the time necessary to embrace the fact that you have been uniquely fashioned 'in Christ' before the foundations of the world. Everything that you still deem to be 'dark' in your life cannot compare to the light that Christ desires to shine on us who believe.
This is not a time to hang your head down low or to live a life that is beneath what you are capable of. The time has come for you to exchange YOUR SKIN for HIS.
To know that despite our flaws, Christ came down, embraced our humanity, and now presents us as 'flawless' before an omnipotent God, should ignite within us all a fire that no one can extinguish.
So if you can excuse me, I'm running late for a photo shoot my wife scheduled for me!
Perhaps it's time you should schedule yours.
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. A lover of Red Vines Licorice and all things pointing North, Milan recently released his first book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing, which is currently ranked #3 on Amazon.com (Religion & Spirituality / African-American). You can find Milan rambling and writing at at ThePewView.com.
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My Skin For His
Milan Ford
For the past fifteen years (perhaps even longer), I have struggled with the discoloration of my skin due to poor acne growing up. Like most young people growing up, acne was that distant cousin no one wanted around, but kept showing up uninvited and more often than not, with friends.
Like many young adults who are still recovering from skin scars from their adolescent years, I have just about tried every product in the book. Some have worked, most have not. As one particular dermatologist told me earlier this year (while I was standing in a grocery checkout line):
"It takes longer to heal from a scar than it does to actually make one."
Honestly, I didn't know whether to respond with "thank you" or "did I ask for your opinion" - it's amazing how your flaws (when visible to the public) have a way of constantly drawing someone else's diagnosis even when you haven't asked for it.
As a leader (and survivor of ministry) within the local church, my appearance is often something that has been a private prison for me. Despite the unconditional love of my wife and three children, there are still times when I shy away from taking some family photos, and when it comes to meeting with other leaders or friends, keeping eye contact remains a tall mountain to climb.
About a week or so ago, while standing in my bathroom, preparing to test yet another skin care product someone had recommended, I was reminded of this incredibly powerful passage of scripture found in John 1:1-5v:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was the life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Now skip down to the 14th verse:
And the Word became FLESH and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
I want to speak directly to everyone reading this today who may have a problem with the 'skin' that they find themselves in right now. Whether you are having a challenge regarding your weight, finding meaningful relationships, locating a new job, or perhaps just holding onto the job you have now...
...please do not allow your quest for personal improvement to cause you to lose sight of the glorious image our Father has provided us all through His Son, Jesus Christ.
I realize that your new year's resolution list is piling up yet again concerning some of the things you desire to change about yourself, but before you invest in yet another self-help product, be sure to spend the time necessary to embrace the fact that you have been uniquely fashioned 'in Christ' before the foundations of the world. Everything that you still deem to be 'dark' in your life cannot compare to the light that Christ desires to shine on us who believe.
This is not a time to hang your head down low or to live a life that is beneath what you are capable of. The time has come for you to exchange YOUR SKIN for HIS.
To know that despite our flaws, Christ came down, embraced our humanity, and now presents us as 'flawless' before an omnipotent God, should ignite within us all a fire that no one can extinguish.
So if you can excuse me, I'm running late for a photo shoot my wife scheduled for me!
Perhaps it's time you should schedule yours.
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. A lover of Red Vines Licorice and all things pointing North, Milan recently released his first book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing, which is currently ranked #3 on Amazon.com (Religion & Spirituality / African-American). You can find Milan rambling and writing at at ThePewView.com.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
I Know
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 Print Article
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I Know
Mike DeVries
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
There are perhaps no two more powerful words than the words "I know."
I know what you're going through.
I know what it is like.
I know how you are feeling.
I know.
We all long to hear those words, do we not? We all long to believe that there is someone, anyone, who knows what it is like - who knows what we are going through. When you find that certain someone who does know what it is like, doesn't it seem to change everything?
Some two thousand years ago, in a sleepy town in Judea, God did something revolutionary. Rather than offering a voice of concern to a weary world, God did something beyond what anyone could have ever dreamed or imagined.
In Jesus, the Word, the voice, comes to dwell among us.
In the incarnation, we celebrate the reality that God knows and cares enough about people that He chose to dwell among us in a very physical and present sort of way. The unseen God of Israelite history was now the seen God. The invisible made visible.
We are told in the Scriptures that in Jesus "we saw the glory of the one and only." In other words, Jesus was putting God on display. You want to see what God is like? You want to see how to live in harmony with the Creator? Look at Jesus. He is the way and the truth and the life.
In the incarnation is found a large message from God to you and me: I know.
I know what you're going through.
I know what it is like.
I know how you are feeling.
I know.
So wherever you find yourself this day, no matter what circumstances you may find yourself in, know that there is a God who knows. Feeling alone? He knows. Feeling overwhelmed? He knows. Feeling as if you just cannot go on? He knows. Feeling like there is no one who understands? He knows. He's been there too. In Jesus, He knows.
He knows. He knows. He knows.
Mike DeVries is the teaching pastor at Sa'kred - a community of Jesus followers in Laguna Hills, California who are exploring what it looks like to embody the way and teachings of Jesus in this present culture. Mike is a thinker, reader, observer, listener, searcher, questioner, teacher, writer, and practioner, as well as a husband and father. You can find Mike blogging here http://awakening.typepad.com/.
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I Know
Mike DeVries
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
There are perhaps no two more powerful words than the words "I know."
I know what you're going through.
I know what it is like.
I know how you are feeling.
I know.
We all long to hear those words, do we not? We all long to believe that there is someone, anyone, who knows what it is like - who knows what we are going through. When you find that certain someone who does know what it is like, doesn't it seem to change everything?
Some two thousand years ago, in a sleepy town in Judea, God did something revolutionary. Rather than offering a voice of concern to a weary world, God did something beyond what anyone could have ever dreamed or imagined.
In Jesus, the Word, the voice, comes to dwell among us.
In the incarnation, we celebrate the reality that God knows and cares enough about people that He chose to dwell among us in a very physical and present sort of way. The unseen God of Israelite history was now the seen God. The invisible made visible.
We are told in the Scriptures that in Jesus "we saw the glory of the one and only." In other words, Jesus was putting God on display. You want to see what God is like? You want to see how to live in harmony with the Creator? Look at Jesus. He is the way and the truth and the life.
In the incarnation is found a large message from God to you and me: I know.
I know what you're going through.
I know what it is like.
I know how you are feeling.
I know.
So wherever you find yourself this day, no matter what circumstances you may find yourself in, know that there is a God who knows. Feeling alone? He knows. Feeling overwhelmed? He knows. Feeling as if you just cannot go on? He knows. Feeling like there is no one who understands? He knows. He's been there too. In Jesus, He knows.
He knows. He knows. He knows.
Mike DeVries is the teaching pastor at Sa'kred - a community of Jesus followers in Laguna Hills, California who are exploring what it looks like to embody the way and teachings of Jesus in this present culture. Mike is a thinker, reader, observer, listener, searcher, questioner, teacher, writer, and practioner, as well as a husband and father. You can find Mike blogging here http://awakening.typepad.com/.
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Word Became flesh and moved into the neighborhood
Monday, December 14, 2009 Print Article
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The Word Became Flesh and Moved Into the Neighborhood
Bishop Donald Hilliard
Among the Christmas Eve congregation at 5th Avenue Presbyterian Church was a recovering alcoholic named Jim. It was his first Christmas alone, and when a young family sat down beside him he couldn't handle it. Leaving the church he met Pastor Thomas Tewell who asked where he was going. "Out for a drink," he replied.
Knowing Jim's history, Tewell said, "You can't. Where's your sponsor?" "On vacation," he replied. "I came tonight needing a word of hope and ended up sitting beside this family. If I had my life together, I'd be here with mine."
As the pastor walked to the pulpit he prayed, "God, give me a word of hope for Jim." Then after welcoming the congregation he said, "I have a request. If anyone here is a friend of Bill W.'s, and if you are you'll know it, please meet me in the vestry. (Bill Wilson, better known as Bill W., co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous)
Immediately people from all over the congregation began to respond. Dr. Tewell says, "While I was busy preaching about the Incarnation, the Word was becoming flesh before my eyes!"
As you celebrate Jesus' birth, remember that many around you are hurting; they've lost hope. Don't forget, "The Word became flesh" only because Jesus went out of His way to redeem sinners, lift the fallen, encourage the despairing, and minister to the sick, the lonely and the forgotten.
He said, "In as much as you've done it unto the least...of these...you've done it unto me" (See Mt 25:40). So instead of keeping to yourself this year, reach out to others - go ahead, make it your best Christmas ever!
Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr. is the Pastor of one church in three locations in New Jersey: Cathedral International in Perth Amboy, Cathedral Assembly by the Shore in Asbury Park, and Cathedral Assembly in the Fields in Plainfield. Dr. Hilliard's willingness to say "YES" to the Lord fostered his ability to grow the church from 125 in 1983 to well over 5,000 members today. As a result of Dr. Hilliard's unwavering faith, multifaceted mindset, and ability to trust in the Lord, over fifty ministries are at work within the three cities. For more information on Bishop Hilliard's ministry, visit www.thecathedral.org. Click here to purchase After the Fall by Dr. Donald Hilliard, Jr.!
© Cathedral International all rights reserved.
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The Word Became Flesh and Moved Into the Neighborhood
Bishop Donald Hilliard
Among the Christmas Eve congregation at 5th Avenue Presbyterian Church was a recovering alcoholic named Jim. It was his first Christmas alone, and when a young family sat down beside him he couldn't handle it. Leaving the church he met Pastor Thomas Tewell who asked where he was going. "Out for a drink," he replied.
Knowing Jim's history, Tewell said, "You can't. Where's your sponsor?" "On vacation," he replied. "I came tonight needing a word of hope and ended up sitting beside this family. If I had my life together, I'd be here with mine."
As the pastor walked to the pulpit he prayed, "God, give me a word of hope for Jim." Then after welcoming the congregation he said, "I have a request. If anyone here is a friend of Bill W.'s, and if you are you'll know it, please meet me in the vestry. (Bill Wilson, better known as Bill W., co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous)
Immediately people from all over the congregation began to respond. Dr. Tewell says, "While I was busy preaching about the Incarnation, the Word was becoming flesh before my eyes!"
As you celebrate Jesus' birth, remember that many around you are hurting; they've lost hope. Don't forget, "The Word became flesh" only because Jesus went out of His way to redeem sinners, lift the fallen, encourage the despairing, and minister to the sick, the lonely and the forgotten.
He said, "In as much as you've done it unto the least...of these...you've done it unto me" (See Mt 25:40). So instead of keeping to yourself this year, reach out to others - go ahead, make it your best Christmas ever!
Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr. is the Pastor of one church in three locations in New Jersey: Cathedral International in Perth Amboy, Cathedral Assembly by the Shore in Asbury Park, and Cathedral Assembly in the Fields in Plainfield. Dr. Hilliard's willingness to say "YES" to the Lord fostered his ability to grow the church from 125 in 1983 to well over 5,000 members today. As a result of Dr. Hilliard's unwavering faith, multifaceted mindset, and ability to trust in the Lord, over fifty ministries are at work within the three cities. For more information on Bishop Hilliard's ministry, visit www.thecathedral.org. Click here to purchase After the Fall by Dr. Donald Hilliard, Jr.!
© Cathedral International all rights reserved.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Like Jesus
Sunday, December 13, 2009 Print Article
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Like Jesus
Ed Young
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us - John 1:14.
Whether they are traveling through a small farming town in Nebraska, a surfing village in California or an industrial community in Pennsylvania, politicians love to show how they can relate to the people in that area. But the sad thing is that they can't really meet those people on the same level; they can't identify with them no matter how hard they try to make it appear like they can.
Jesus, though, never gives us that illusion of identity. He doesn't throw up a façade to try and appear like he gets where we are coming from. Jesus Christ connected with the people of two thousand years ago, and he connects with you and me today on a level that we can understand and appreciate.
At one point we've all said, "No one understands my situation." But that statement could not be farther from the truth. Jesus understands; he's been there; he knows what we go through day in and day out. He had a job - for most of his life he was a carpenter. He had the same relationships that you and I have today - mother, father, brothers, sister, friends, and enemies. He even faced the same temptations that you and I face. Jesus knows what daily living is like. He knows because he's been there himself.
So this week, when you feel like there is no one that can grasp what you are going through; when you feel like throwing up your hands and giving up; when you have that gut reaction of, "No one understands my situation..." remember that our Savior has been there and then add two words to your statement: "Like Jesus."
Ed Young is the founding and Senior Pastor of Fellowship Church. As a straightforward communicator who uniquely connects God's unchanging truth with a diverse culture through compelling and creative teaching methods, Ed provides resources for church leaders around the world and his weekly television program, Ed Young Ministries, can be seen throughout the U.S. and Europe, including USA, TBN, Daystar and CNBC Europe. You can find more on Ed at www.fellowshipchurch.com or find him blogging at www.edyoungblog.com.
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Like Jesus
Ed Young
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us - John 1:14.
Whether they are traveling through a small farming town in Nebraska, a surfing village in California or an industrial community in Pennsylvania, politicians love to show how they can relate to the people in that area. But the sad thing is that they can't really meet those people on the same level; they can't identify with them no matter how hard they try to make it appear like they can.
Jesus, though, never gives us that illusion of identity. He doesn't throw up a façade to try and appear like he gets where we are coming from. Jesus Christ connected with the people of two thousand years ago, and he connects with you and me today on a level that we can understand and appreciate.
At one point we've all said, "No one understands my situation." But that statement could not be farther from the truth. Jesus understands; he's been there; he knows what we go through day in and day out. He had a job - for most of his life he was a carpenter. He had the same relationships that you and I have today - mother, father, brothers, sister, friends, and enemies. He even faced the same temptations that you and I face. Jesus knows what daily living is like. He knows because he's been there himself.
So this week, when you feel like there is no one that can grasp what you are going through; when you feel like throwing up your hands and giving up; when you have that gut reaction of, "No one understands my situation..." remember that our Savior has been there and then add two words to your statement: "Like Jesus."
Ed Young is the founding and Senior Pastor of Fellowship Church. As a straightforward communicator who uniquely connects God's unchanging truth with a diverse culture through compelling and creative teaching methods, Ed provides resources for church leaders around the world and his weekly television program, Ed Young Ministries, can be seen throughout the U.S. and Europe, including USA, TBN, Daystar and CNBC Europe. You can find more on Ed at www.fellowshipchurch.com or find him blogging at www.edyoungblog.com.
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