Friday, December 30, 2005

Enduring worth

He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:11-12).

Paintings, music and books that were held in wide acclaim a few years ago are now all but forgotten; other works of art and literature, insulted and ignored in their day, are now hailed as masterpieces. Schubert could not find steady employment during his life; Rembrandt died bankrupt; Mozart had to work so hard to make ends meet that he contracted tuberculosis. Paderewski’s music was scorned by German critics; Van Gogh’s paintings were spat upon by respectable Dutch burghers in his native land; Verdi was refused admission to the Milan Conservatory of Music.

Jesus was the ultimate example of such rejection. He represented more than just advancement in education or in culture; He was "the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). Jesus spoke the unvarnished truth about the human condition—that all humanity is mired in soul-rotting selfishness. Jesus revealed the way out of the deadly quicksand of our sins—that God is willing to forgive everyone who turns their back on the love of sinning and asks Jesus to take them by the hand. And Jesus offered life itself—life that had meaning and value, life that would not be ended by death. Jesus offered up His life on the cross to give us the opportunity to embark on this new way of living.

Because Jesus offered something so radically different, the world judged Him as a dangerous fanatic, out of touch with the needs of society. He was rejected more completely and severely than anyone has ever been rejected. Yet 2,000 years later His teachings, His promises and His love shine as brightly as ever, giving hope to those whom the world has cast aside. No amount of ridicule, hatred or persecution can ever diminish the glory and perfection of the holy Word of God. Please join me in praying:

We thank You, Lord Jesus, for being our beautiful Savior in a world that loves the ugliness of sinful things. May we always treasure Your gift of the holy Bible, and may we always speak to others of Your truths that time can never destroy. Amen.

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