CONSIDERING JESUS

 

    Here is a man who was born in an obscure village and raised in a despised one (Jn 1:46).  He worked as a carpenter for 30 years, then for 3 1/2 years he was a preacher. 

    He never wrote a book. He never held a public office. He never owned a home. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never traveled more than 200 miles from the place where He was born (except as an infant).

    While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. One of them betrayed Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through a mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two criminals, and His executioners gambled for the only thing He owned (a seamless robe).

    When He was dead, he was laid in a borrowed tomb. Three days later, the tomb was empty.

    Almost 2,000 years have come and gone since then, and yet, this man Jesus is still the centerpiece of the human race.

    All the armies that have ever marched; all the governments that have ever been formed, and all the kings that have ever ruled -- combine them all -- and together they have not affected the life of mankind upon this earth like this one man, JESUS.

    During His life time on earth, whole families, cities, and entire races of people were influenced by His simple but powerful life.

    In the centuries following His earthly life, men have continued to be drawn to Jesus, and have lived and died for their faith in Him -- in a man they have never met face to face!

    Kings and slaves, rich and poor, black and white, old and young, have all been influenced by Him.

    Now, someone tell me how His gargantuan influence over all people of all time can be explained, except for the fact that He is the Son of God!  His influence is not due to His money, political power, social prestige, formal education, or any of the other traits that men claim to be keys to success.

    Did you know that there are 456 prophecies in the Old Testament that directly relate to the birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection of the Messiah. Jesus fulfilled every single one!  This is a virtual IMPOSSIBILITY, unless Jesus is the Messiah!  He is the Author of salvation to all who obey Him (Heb. 5:9); there is no other Name under Heaven whereby men can be saved (Acts 4:12); and, no one goes to the Father, except through Him (John 14:12).    

    Be encourage! Be faithful unto death! In Him we are "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37).  The day of the Christian victory is rapidly approaching. I don't know when our Lord will return; but I do know that we are 24 hours closer to His 2nd coming that we were yesterday at this time.                

                                                     - - Toby Miller