#99 BECAUSE HE CAME 9-7-26
When we come to the end of life’s journey, many of the things that seemed so important will suddenly seem very small. It will not matter how much money we accumulated, how popular we became, how many people knew our name, or whether we could have been elected to public office. The great question will be this: Did we know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Everything else will eventually pass away, but what we have in Christ will endure forever.
HIS ARRIVAL
Jesus came into this world. The eternal Son of God took upon Himself flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). God came near. He did not remain distant from our suffering, our sorrow, and our struggles. He entered our world as a meek and lowly servant. He did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life for many (Matthew 20:28)
If you want to know what you mean to God, look at the arrival of Jesus. God did not merely send a message. He sent His Son. He came near because He loved us. He came seeking the lost. He came to bring us back to God. (Luke 19:10; Romans 5:8).
HIS ATONEMENT
Jesus did not come merely to live a good life and leave us an example. He came to die. At the cross, He gave Himself for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3). His death was not an accident. It was the accomplishment of God’s redemptive purpose (Acts 2:22-24). He bore our sins so that we might have forgiveness and reconciliation with God (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24).
Everything we have spiritually is because of Him (Ephesians 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3). Our forgiveness is because of Him. Our hope is because of Him. Our salvation is because of Him. We can look toward heaven with confidence because Jesus accomplished what we could never accomplish for ourselves (Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:28).
HIS ASCENSION
Jesus did not remain in the grave (1 Corinthians 15:4). He conquered death, rose victorious, and ascended on high. He led captivity captive and was exalted at the right hand of God. The One who humbled Himself in Bethlehem and surrendered Himself at Calvary now reigns in glory (Ephesians 4:8; Philippians 2:8-11)
Because He lives, death is not the end for those who belong to Him (2 Timothy 4:6-8. Because He reigns, we have a King. Because He has ascended, we have a Savior who has entered heaven on our behalf. Our hope is not resting upon a dead teacher from the past. Our hope is resting upon a living Lord who conquered death and reigns forever (Hebrews 7:25; Revelation 1:17–18)
HIS ASSISTANCE
And here is the wonder of it all. The Jesus who came into the world, died for our sins, rose from the grave, and ascended into heaven is not absent from us. He helps us now. He strengthens us now. He walks with us now. Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20).
Therefore, there is nothing to fear when Christ is our Lord and Savior. We do not have to face life alone. We do not have to face our failures alone. We do not have to face suffering alone. And we do not have to face death alone. We live by faith in Jesus, depending upon Him in all things. His grace is sufficient, His presence is real, and His promises are sure (2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 13:5-6)
At the end of the journey, it will not be our possessions that matter. It will not be our popularity, our position, our accomplishments, or our influence. What will matter is Jesus.
His arrival. His atonement. His accomplishment. His ascension. His assistance.
Because He came, God came near. Because He died, our sins can be forgiven. Because He rose, death has been conquered. Because He ascended, He reigns in glory. Because He lives in us, we can walk through this life without fear and look toward eternity with hope.
Everything we have is because of Him.
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Lord Jesus, help me never to forget that everything I have spiritually is because of You. Thank You for coming near, dying for my sins, conquering death, ascending into glory, and continuing to help me each day. Teach me to live by faith, depend upon You in all things, and fear nothing because You are with me. Amen.
BDD
