Why Did Jesus Come?
This is one of the greatest questions of our time. If we have a loving and benevolent God, then why did Jesus come? We live in a world that easily admits to believing in a Creator. Most people acknowledge that God exists. In virtually all cultures worldwide, the concept of God is there. Hardly a coincident, our very creation has implanted a sense in all of us that mankind is not the highest form of intelligence. Our very DNA acknowledges the existence of God.
Scriptures tell us that mankind, from our very beginning, was separated from our God because of sin. When you think of it, sin not only separates us from God but it does a pretty good job on humans too. For the most part, good and repentant people prefer to separate themselves from the wicked.
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” ~2 Corinthians 5:18-19
One important point to consider is that mankind, no matter how educated, how intelligent, can ever hope to define who God is. God is God! God hates sin and because all humans are imperfect, that sinful nature will forever separate us from God unless there is some perfect reconciliation between God and humans.
And that is why Jesus came. We are powerless to overcome our nature. God, knowing this, has provided a path, a bridge that will overcome this separation.
When you think about it, this is amazingly simple: We cannot overcome the distance between ourselves and God so God provides a bridge, strong and true that any human can cross and reach God. On the other side of that bridge is an eternal world, filled with peace, void of pain and disappointment, so perfect that all the joy we will need forever can be found. But there is a catch. Each person must make their own decision to cross that bridge.
Check List√
Do you know who Jesus is?
If Jesus showed up at your home or work, could you confidently recognize Him?
Have you acknowledged that you are separated from God and need help?
Do you understand the Gift, the Gift of the Cross and how it provides you with a bridge to eternal life?
Is your love of God and Jesus infectious, leading others to desire to know more about God?
Are you a “town crier” for your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers ? Remember, you don’t have to use words, just become a living example.
The Gift of Reconciliation
The Apostle Paul tells us that our reconciliation with our God is both an accomplished fact (v18) and a continuing process (v19). Although it is a done deed because of Jesus’ work on the cross, the reconciliation must be personally appropriated. We need to walk across that bridge ourselves. While the bridge is strong and true, the sinful nature of our world is always calling us back. That is why we fellowship with others who are on this journey, encourage each other, study together, praying together and helping each other. While the journey is ours alone to make, we do not have to be alone on our journey.
We are all “town criers” of the Gospel of Truth. By sharing our lives with others, we become living witnesses for God. Each one of us on this bridge needs to call back to those still fearful of the first steps. The bridge is strong, Jesus is strong, so make sure those around you see your confidence.
Your tip, therefore, is to make sure you confidently allow Jesus to carry you to God. And then as you journey, look back, call to others and be a confident example.