“Being confident of this very
thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day
of Jesus Christ.”—Philippians 1:6
One of the prophets used to foretell
Jesus’ birth, the plan for His life and death was Isaiah.
“For
unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be
upon His
shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful,
Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) In chapter 53 verses 2-6, is a detailed
account of how people would think about Him at His death and what it would accomplish…“ He was wounded for our
transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our
peace was upon Him,
and
by His stripes we are healed…” (vs. 5).
Jesus was conceived by the Holy
Spirit, but was born the same way as any other human infant—through his
mother’s womb (Luke 1:31). When the
angel announced the Messiah’s coming birth to Mary, he declared that Jesus would
reign as King forever (Luke 1:33). He grew up in a home without special
position or privileges. It is probable
that he learned the carpentry trade from His earthly father, Joseph, and used
it to support Himself during His younger years.
His public ministry began with the
selection of ordinary men to be His disciples, including one, Matthew, the tax
collector, who was despised. Jesus
traveled from town to town, interacting with people, many of whom doubted and
disbelieved Him. His teachings were
regularly misunderstood and often opposed.
At times even His followers turned away when they heard something that
they did not like. After traveling from
city-to-city saying and demonstrating what His heavenly Father was like, Jesus
was labeled a criminal, crucified between two thieves, and buried in someone
else’s tomb.
Looking at the natural, most people
who would summarize Jesus’ life would say that He had a good start in life, but
His ending was terrible. Especially for
someone who was to rule the world as Lord.
Today consider how your life would
be “spiritually summed” up. Are
you walking in humility? Have you
sacrificed “self” on the altar of His Mercy and Grace? Are you totally dependent upon God? Are you walking in obedience to His will for
you? Allow the Holy Spirit to make any
needed adjustments so that you can finish your course well.
Prayer—Father
I ask for the Holy Spirit to bring to my mind any needed adjustments in my
life, and with Your help I know that I can finish my race and receive the
victor’s crown, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
