As Was Foretold…

One of my favorite aspects of the Word of God is that it is truly active and alive. I don’t care how many times I’ve read through it or even just read a particular passage; I can always find something new and relevant. 

Reading the book of Matthew this past week, I was newly struck by the recurring phrase, “as was foretold by the prophets.” These six words are so powerful and pertinent, bringing greater relevance to everything that surrounds them—exposing the greater purpose of Jesus’ life and ministry. 

These words proclaim that Jesus isn’t just a great man or another prophet, as some thought. He is the Messiah, as was foretold by the prophets. Jesus is God’s love and mercy sent to us to be the blood sacrifice to pay for my sin and the sin of all humanity. Everything Jesus did on earth was to fulfill God’s purpose and be His provision of Grace.

As I think about my own life and ministry, can I say the same? Is my only purpose to fulfill God’s plan and bring glory and honor to Him? 

Am I willing to sacrifice my reputation, comfort, goals, dreams, time, home, stuff, family, and my life to further the gospel of Jesus Christ? 

Anything less would be useless vanity.

As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let’s reflect on the sacrificial life He modeled for us. He stepped down from His Heavenly throne and humbled Himself taking human form. He was misunderstood, ridiculed, rejected, mocked, beaten, crucified, and buried. Then, praise God, He was raised in victory over our sin and death and now sits in glory at the right Hand of God the Father. 

 

What a victorious testimony that tiny Baby holds for us.

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” 

Galatians 4:4-5

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Romans 12:1

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant being born in the likeness of men.”

Philippians 2:5-7

 

 

_________________________________________________

Susan E. Greenwood is a wife, a mother, and a mother-in-law :D. She has over 28 years experience in youth and children’s ministries. Susan loves to write blogs, articles, devotionals, and curriculum. She has blogged for bible.org, and authors Mary Demuth, Lynn Cowell and Ruth Schwenk. Susan writes regularly for skitguys.com. Her passion is to help people live their Life In Stride with the Word of God.

No Comments

Post A Comment

%d bloggers like this: