A Thought a Day...
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." Galations 4:4-5
I'm going to take a moment today to respond to Brother Ken's question/comment from yesterday. I had not originally planned to use this blog as a teaching spot, more to share devotional thoughts between my wife and I while I'm on the road... But his question deserves a response... And it may be a question that many have asked. In summary the question is, "Why didn't God reveal himself through Christ long before he did?"
Paul states in Galatians 4:4 that Christ came at the fullness of time. It took me a long time to understand that phrase, but the aha moment for me was a lecture by Lewis Foster on the inter-testamental period of Ancient History. The intertestamental period is that approximately 300 year period between the writing and events of the Old Testament and the coming of Christ. I've heard and read that there was only about a 50 year period in which Christianity could have gained a foothold. Why is that? Let's look at three lines of preparation that God made for the coming of Christ...
The Jews. The Jews provided the basis for the coming of the Messiah. It had been promised to them that the King would be of the seed of Abraham. The plan was set in motion in the Garden when God promised that there would come one who would bruise the heal of the serpent. Christ would be that one.
The Greeks. With the movie about the life of Alexander the Great about to be shown in a movie theatre near you, interest in Alex has been revived. The Greeks represented the cultural line of preparation. Through the Greeks a common language and culture was spread throughout the Middle East. The Greek influence permeated society during the time of Christ.
The Romans. The Romans represent the political climate and preparation line of the time. For the first time travel throughout the world was possible, and it could be done in relative safety. The Romans bring a peace, even though ruthless... The Pax Romana... To the entire known world. Travel is made possible through a road network extending throughout the world. And finally, a cruel instrument of torture and death is introduced... The crux. The cross had been anticipated as the method in which Christ would die, the Jewish form of execution was stoning.
All three of these lines of preparation intersect in one moment in history. A time between 4 BC and 50 BC. It was during this time God planned that Christ should come for a single purpose: to save man that we could become His children.
Father, this morning we thank you that your plan to redeem us was so thorough. We thank you that you and Christ love us so much that you went to extremes to adopt us. Just for today... I want to make you proud that you are my Dad.
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
"Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? " John 14:9
I'm back... For those who check out this blog, I've been dealing with personal scheduling and technology issues for the past couple of weeks. I'm commuting from Jacksonville, FL to Los Angeles, CA to work each week and may have to in LA until the end of the year. I've also had technology issues as my laptop that I take with me on the road died... No comments from the Mac fans... And where I'm working I don't have internet access outside the company web intranet. While I'm on the subject, Marcia and I are taking a long needed vacation (a cruise) from November 19 -29... So Marcia and I will be having our devotions together on board ship.
The statement Phillip made to the Lord was, "Show us the Father". We talked a bit about how that everyone has a different opinion about who God is. There has been debate after debate over the characteristics and traits of God. If I were to ask each person who reads this blog to comment and give me their idea of what God is like, we would have a different answer from everyone who responded. I've read book after book on the character of God. There was a popular book out (and it's still popular) entitled, Knowing God, by Packer.
By the same token, if I were to ask what Christ is like... Most everyone would have a pretty good idea. We seem to be able to understand what Jesus was like: His love... His compassion... His power... His sacrifice. That is one essay test I can pass. But God... That's different. Or is it?
Jesus almost acts offended... His response to Phillip concludes with "How can you say to me, show me the Father?" Why? Because! Christ says, if you want to know who God is... Look at me! God is love... God is compassionate... God is powerful..... God sacrificed for us. Take the card we wrote for the character of Christ... Scratch out the title and write God in its place. As Paul wrote, Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God! (Colossians 1:14-16)
Father, thank you for revealing yourself to us through your son, Jesus. Have to admit, he is the spittin image of you. People tell me I look like and act like my Dad. I consider that a compliment... I hope I have his character. There is no doubt with Jesus. He is like you. Thank you for your love, compassion, and sacrifice. Thank you for being you.
