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
Never to be Forgotten! Little Light of Mine, Part 8
Today's Bible Verse:
"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes
in me should stay in darkness." (John 12:46)
Never to be Forgotten! Little Light of Mine, Part 8
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