Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” John 18:37
This evening, I continued with my listening/reading of a Christmas/Advent devotional from John Piper. Today's entry focuses on how Jesus was born as a baby, from a mother who was a virgin - Mary - yet Jesus as human being was not just a birth but an incarnation. Piper describes this: "[t]he uniqueness of his birth is that he did not originate at his birth. He existed before he was born in a manger. The personhood, the character, the personality of Jesus of Nazareth existed before the man Jesus of Nazareth was born....The person, not the body, but the essential personhood of Jesus existed before he was born as man. His birth was not a coming into being of a new person, but a coming into the world of an infinitely old person. Piper encourages us to refer to Micah 5:2 to see how it was God's plan from the very beginning of time - from the "ancient of days" - to send His Son Jesus to save us from our sins.
Comment and discuss this post here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God - full of grace and mercy - and You knew everything about me even before I was born; You knew everything about my sin, etc. yet You still came to die for my sins - even though You were not deserving as You led a sinless life. You willingly laid down Your life so that I could have have freedom from the sting of sin and death - salvation. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings. I sin daily and I wish I did not but I do. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
