"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should
stay in darkness." (John 12:46, NIV2)
How did Jesus demonstrate what real light meant?
"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues,
proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and
sickness." (Matt 9:35, NIV2)
Quite different from the news we hear daily or from dooms-day preachers, where
all are condemned. Jesus preached good news, news that our Heavenly Father had
come through for us through the upcoming cross. Notice that it's all about what
God does for us and not the other way around. God loves us with passion. That's
truly good news! He is not indifferent as some proclaim Him to be. He remembers
us!
"Healing every disease and sickness." (Matt 9:35, NIV2) Jesus was not just
words. He practiced what He preached. He healed the sick with more passion than
anyone else. He was there for them, not only to comfort them, but also to heal
them and show how great God's love is for each one of us, no matter how far we
have fallen.
"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed
and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matt 9:36, NIV2)
How many among us have ever encountered people who have so much compassion that
they not only feel deeply for what we are going through, but also stand with us
no matter what our circumstances? They are rare in this world, that's for sure.
However, Jesus is different. His very soul was geared to stand by the ones who
were hurting and to give them hope, a hope that would last for eternity: "For
God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes
in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16, NIV2)
God's compassion goes beyond any human compassion. He is the only One who makes
it possible for us to be reconciled with Him: "He came as a witness to testify
concerning that light, so that through him all might believe." (John 1:7, NIV2)
God was so palpable everywhere Jesus went. Boldly He testified the good news,
even knowing that it would cost Him His life. Love can never be stopped!
While we were in Scotland in 2014, we discovered something quite unique. Sheep
in Scotland are free to roam wherever they want. That's why at times traffic has
to slow down (Grrr!).
Interestingly enough, none of them ever get lost, despite the fact that they are
never branded, which is extremely painful. Each owner has his own color, and
each sheep is painted with a spot of that color. The color doesn't affect them
in any way. In fact they can't even see the coloring! If ever a sheep gets lost,
all shepherds in that region knows to whom that specific color belongs, and they
simply return the sheep to its owner. Sheep can never get lost in Scotland!
The same is true with our Heavenly Father. However, He is the One who seeks for
the lost with a passion from above, so much that He truly can never forget us:
"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child
she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have
engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." (Isa
49:15-16, NIV2)
His love is truly subliminal. His light is invigorating. His compassion for us
is out of this world!
Why simmer in loneliness and addiction, when we can become truly free through
His love? After all, being lost isn't really fun at all!
Remember, you are engraved in your Father's hands, never to be forgotten.
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.