|
We all believe in Jesus Christ, His own Son, our Lord, possessing (Lutheran Service Book #954 stanza 2) |
2 CORINTHIANS 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
The Grace Of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Source of ev’ry grace and blessing. Those words are so true, yet they seem inadequate. God Himself became one of us not only to help us understand who He is, but also in order to take our sins upon Himself. Here we see God as someone we can understand. Yet so many fail to believe in Him. They will not accept the free gift of grace that He offers: forgiveness of all sins, salvation from death, and eternal life with Him.
When Queen Victoria lived at Balmoral Castle, she would often enjoy taking walks disguised as a peasant. On one occasion, she went for such a walk accompanied only by one faithful servant, who followed behind her. Along the road, she came upon a flock of sheep being driven by a boy, who shouted, “Keep out of the way you stupid old woman.” The Queen smiled and said nothing. When the servant reached the boy, he informed the lad that she was the Queen. “Well,” said the boy, “then she should dress like a queen.”
Perhaps many do not recognize Jesus because He did not dress like the King that He was. But then again, maybe not. His first coming was not as a mighty king. He came as one of us, nothing noticeably special or extraordinary about Him. But there was something special. He lived a life without sin, the life we could not live. And those who put their faith in Him have cause for rejoicing. You receive His righteousness as your own. You know without a doubt that you are forgiven. You know that salvation is yours as a gift from God for Jesus’ sake. Yet we also know that there are many in the world who have not heard. Jesus told us to be His witnesses to these people.
