© 2011 Jasper Life Publications SERIES
Repent, for the Kingdom of the Heavens Has Drawn Near Title of this volume: The Kingdom of the Heavens 1ª Edition: May 2011 Translated with permission of Editora Árvore da Vida Published by Editora Árvore da Vida in Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, French, Italian and German. All rights reserved by Jasper Life Publications 725 Viscount Road London, ON, Canada N6J 4G9 Phone: (519) 472-0350 http://jasperlife.com ISSN 1920-8510 Printed in Brazil
Bible Quotations All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version® is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000.
Other versions of scripture are indicated as follows: NKJV NU‑Text New King James Version variations according to the twenty-seventh edition of the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament and the United Bible Societies’ fourth edition ASV American Standard Version DBY Darby Translation lit. Literal translation
ENJOY! Individually 1. Meet with the Lord early in the morning. 2. As soon as you rise, before doing anything else, take a breath of life, deeply calling on the name of the Lord, “Oh Lord Jesus”. When doing this, drop all your cares, fears, sadness and sin, and receive the Lord Jesus as life, joy, peace and encouragement. Call “Lord Jesus” several times throughout the day. 3. Read the verses given each day in order to have a complete idea of the subject to be covered. Remember that the Bible explains the Bible; because of this, you will find quotations from many other books of the Bible aside from the one which we are presenting in this Daily Food. 4. Prayerfully read the verse suggested each day. To do this, each word ought to be repeated, emphasized and proclaimed without haste, as if one were chewing. Do not read the verse too fast, but spend time on each word. In this exercise, do not worry about understanding the verse, but “eat” it, taking it by faith as spiritual food. 5. Underline and highlight the phrases and words in the explanatory text that most impress you. Pay special attention to the Key Point. This point will function as a key to unlock the spiritual significance of the text. “Digest” it during the day, repeating it to yourself. In this manner, the text that you read in the morning will be your spiritual food all day long. 6. Share what you gain with those you are related to at home, at school, at work, etc. They need the life that you receive through the word.
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Enjoy! In Small Groups 1. Daily Food is an excellent tool for small groups meeting to study the Bible. These small groups may be informal and be characterized by mutual care among the members. 2. A small group meeting can be formed of household members, relatives and neighbours, friends who live nearby, classmates, or work colleagues. 3. Try to meet regularly with members of your small group meeting in order to read Daily Food together. 4. When together, read the suggested passages for each day and prayerfully read the verse of the day. 5. Try to apply the Key Point to your daily life and its difficulties, and to your personal and professional life. Make the word of God applicable to your living. In this way everyone can actively participate and be mutually edified. 6. Take the opportunity to pray together for individual needs or problems. 7. Whenever possible, bring guests to your small group meeting. Then more people can be supplied by God’s word.
May you all receive life abundantly!
The editors
PS: Don’t forget to look at the Additional Reading suggested at the end of each week. It is very helpful.
CONTENTS Week 1 – Message 9 Birth of Jesus (Matt. 2:1-2) Expecting the King’s Coming.............................................................. 7 Jesus the Nazarene............................................................................. 10 Preparing Himself from His Youth to Reign...................................... 12 The Way to Educate Children........................................................... 14 God Is Righteous and Loving............................................................ 17 God Desires Our Presence................................................................. 19 Immanuel Became Our Salvation..................................................... 21 Week 2 – Message 10 John the Baptist (Matt. 3:1-4) It Is Through Repentance That We Enjoy Grace and Mercy ..................................................... 25 Jesus—a Genuine Man...................................................................... 27 The Lord Sympathizes with Us.......................................................... 29 The Baptism with the Holy Spirit and Fire....................................... 31 Being Purified by the Fire of the Holy Spirit..................................... 34 Acknowledging the Lord and Following Him................................... 36 The Dangers of the Soul-Life............................................................ 38 Week 3 – Message 11 Jesus is Anointed (Matt. 3:13-17) Liberated from the World to Put the Old Man to Death.................. 42 The Danger of the Remnants of the Soul-Life ................................. 45 Through Jesus, God Sympathizes with Us and Forgives Us ............. 47 The Lord Jesus Is Anointed in His Baptism ..................................... 49 The Anointing: Divinity Mingled with Humanity............................ 51 The Work of the Triune God............................................................. 54 The Olive Oil and the Anointing Oil............................................... 56 Week 4 – Message 12 Jesus Goes out to Preach (Matt. 4:17-18) Man Needs God’s Word.................................................................... 61 The Real Food................................................................................... 63 The Light of the Gospel Shines Forth............................................... 65 The Nearness of the Kingdom of the Heavens................................. 68 With God There Is No Favoritism..................................................... 70 Perfecting for the Preaching.............................................................. 72 Love, the Most Excellent Way.......................................................... 74 5
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Week 5 – Message 13 Knowing the Kingdom of the Heavens (Matt. 5:1-12) Being Prepared to Govern in the Kingdom of the Heavens............. 78 The Requirements for Becoming a Citizen and a Ruler in the Kingdom......................................................... 80 Growing in Life Today to Avoid the Great Tribulation..................... 82 Being Poor in Spirit............................................................................ 84 Confessing Our Sins to Be Forgiven and Purified............................. 86 The Way to Appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ.................. 88 Let Us Wake up, for the Day Is at Hand!.......................................... 90 Week 6 – Message 14 The Conditions to Be in the Kingdom of the Heavens (Matt. 5:13-16) Emptying Oneself to Enter the Kingdom.......................................... 94 Repentant, Meek, Thirsty, and Hungry............................................ 96 Merciful, Pure in Heart, and Peacemakers........................................ 98 Persecuted for the Sake of Righteousness....................................... 100 The Vision of Revelation 12............................................................ 102 The Way God Preserves His People during the Great Tribulation.. 104 South America Is the Wilderness.................................................... 107 Week 7 – Message 15 The Beginning of the Work of the King of the Kingdom of the Heavens (Matt. 8:1-4) Denying the Soul Life to Reign with Christ.................................... 111 Being Perfected to Reign with Christ.............................................. 113 Flavour, Comfort, and Consolation in the Word............................. 115 The Light Which Prevails in the Darkness and Gives Life to Men.117 The Light Which Enlightens All Men............................................ 119 Righteousness Which Comes from Fulfilling the Law.................... 121 Enlightened and Nourished by the Word........................................ 123 Week 8 – Message 16 Jesus Sends out Twelve Apostles (Matt. 10:1-4) Rulers in the Coming World............................................................ 127 Being the Salt Which Seasons and Adds Flavour........................... 129 Calling on the Lord’s Name Causes Us to Live in the Spirit.......... 131 The Lord Is Still Calling Fellow Workers for the Gospel................. 133 The Practice of Preaching the Gospel............................................. 135 Ruminating the Word in Order to Obtain More Life..................... 137 Chosen, Perfected, and Sent out to Preach the Gospel.................. 139
Week
1
Scripture Reading for Monday:
Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Mic. 5:2; Zech. 9:9; Matt. 2:1-12; 4:17; 10:7; Heb. 2:5; Rev. 5:10 Read with prayer:
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:31-33).
There are numerous prophecies pertaining to the birth of the King of the Jews in the Old Testament (Isa. 7:14; 9:67; Zech. 9:9). Hence, there was great expectation for the Messiah’s coming (1 Pet. 1:10). The New Testament begins with the Lord Jesus’ genealogy and birth (Matt. 1:1-23). Not only was the Lord born as the King of the Jews, but also as the King of the kingdom of the heavens. In fact, His birth was very special, because as Jesus, God Himself had become a man. The Son of God was conceived in May by the Holy Spirit, so that this baby, divinely begotten into humanity, would become King of both the nation of Israel and of the kingdom of the heavens. The wise men from the east knew of Jesus’ birth and headed for Jerusalem after seeing His star. Already in the city and seeking to worship the newborn, they sought king Herod and asked for the child’s whereabouts (2:1-2). Alarmed by the news, Herod gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people to inquire of them where the child would be
Birth of Jesus
EXPECTING THE KING’S COMING
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born. Knowing the scriptures, they informed him of what had been foretold by the prophet Micah: that the King of the Jews would be born in Bethlehem, the smallest city in Judah (Mic. 5:2; Matt. 2:4-6). Herod secretly spoke to the wise men a second time, asking them to go to Bethlehem and inquire about the boy. He also requested them to notify him once they had found the child, for he too wanted to worship Him. In reality, the king had been lying all along; his desire was to take Jesus’ life while He was still a baby. The wise men believed the king and began their journey preceded by the star they had seen in the East, which precisely indicated where the boy was. Filled with joy, they entered the house and found Him with Mary. They fell prostrate and worshipped Jesus, giving their gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. Divinely instructed in a dream not to return to Herod, the wise men took a different way back. When Herod realized that he had been deceived, he ordered the killing of every boy in Bethlehem and surrounding districts up to the age of two. He wanted to prevent Jesus from growing up to become king. He was fearful of losing control over Judea which was under the rule of the Roman Empire at the time. A great massacre of infants occurred during that time (Matt. 2:16-18). Today, as we look at all the violence and injustice on the earth, all that is left for us is to wait for the coming of the Lord Jesus, who is the King of righteousness and peace (Heb. 7:1-3). He is Shiloh, referred to in the prophecies as the descendant of Judah to whom will be the obedience of all the people (Gen. 49:10). He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah who received the blessing and commission to reign, and is eager to share this commission with us (Heb. 2:5; Rev. 5:10). Not only was Jesus born as the King of the Jews, but also as the King of the kingdom of the heavens. As a King, His birth indicated that His kingdom had drawn near. Hence,
when John the Baptist began preaching, he warned people to repent, for the kingdom of the heavens was at hand (Matt. 3:2). In His earthly ministry, Jesus Himself preached these words and instructed His disciples to do the same (4:17; 10:7). Today, we still need to repent, for when we do so and believe in the Lord, we enter the kingdom of the heavens and the Lord Jesus becomes our King.
Key point: In order to find the King, it is not enough to merely know the Scriptures; it is necessary that we practice what they reveal. My key point:
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Question: How can the Lord Jesus become our King?
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Week
1 – TUESDAY
Scripture reading:
Matt. 2:13-23; 13:55; Mark 6:3; 10:47; John 1:46 Read with prayer:
And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see” (John 1:46). JESUS THE NAZARENE
The Lord’s life on the earth was filled with sufferings from a very young age. Because of a census, Joseph and Mary had to leave Nazareth and go up to Bethlehem, where Jesus would be born. Unable to find a vacancy in the inns, He was placed in a manger (Luke 2:1-7). Herod’s evil intent to take Jesus’ life hindered Him from remaining in that city, and instructed by an angel who appeared to Joseph in a dream, His family fled to Egypt; there Jesus spent the first years of His youth (Matt. 2:13-16). By looking at a map, we can see that the route they took was neither short nor simple. At that time, the most common and accessible means of transportation was riding on pack animals. This means that Jesus and His family must have suffered a great deal on that trip. However, through God’s sovereignty and the obedience of His parents, the life of the young Jesus was preserved. Once Herod had died, an angel of the Lord instructed Joseph to return to the land of Israel. Upon their arrival, Joseph was divinely advised to take his family into the region of Galilee where they settled in Nazareth. The prophecy foretelling Jesus’ return—being called out of Egypt—had been fulfilled (2:15), as well as the words that He would be called a Nazarene (v. 23). Being a poor and underdeveloped city,
those who came from Nazareth were despised and considered uncultured by the inhabitants of more prosperous cities such as Jerusalem (John 1:46). In Nazareth, the Lord went through every stage of human life. He grew up in the midst of a humble and large family where He was raised, educated, and learned carpentry as a profession from Joseph (Matt. 13:55-56; Mark 6:3). Jesus faced the problems and limitations that are common to every human being. Therefore, when we call on His name amid sufferings and difficulties, He sympathizes with us and comes to our aid.
Key point: A normal human life with sufferings. My key point:
Birth of Jesus
Question: Why can we infer that Jesus knows what human suffering is like?
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Week 1
– WEDNESDAY
Scripture reading:
Psa. 119:9; Luke 2:41-42; 44-49; Acts 2:7; 2 Tim. 3:15 Read with prayer:
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Tim. 4:12). PREPARING HIMSELF FROM HIS YOUTH TO REIGN
The Scripture records that Jesus spent His youth in Nazareth, Galilee, a despised place where He grew up and learned a profession. Now it had been predetermined that the children of Israel should attend several solemn feasts to worship the Lord (Lev. 23); these feasts took place annually. Despite their difficulties, Joseph and Mary would annually attend the feast of Passover in Jerusalem in order to worship God in the temple. At the age of twelve, Jesus participated in the feast along with His family (Luke 2:41-42). The trip to Jerusalem was usually made in convoys, and on the way back, Jesus’ parents did not realize that He had remained in the city. They looked for Him among the fellow travelers, but there was no sign of Him. Joseph and Mary were very concerned and returned to Jerusalem (vv. 44-45). They were only able to find Jesus three days later. He was in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. Including His parents, all who heard Him were astonished by His understanding and answers at such a young age (vv. 46-49). Already in His youth, the Lord was being prepared to be King of the Jews and the kingdom of the heavens. As a young
Nazarene, Jesus had come from a city of little culture, yet His understanding amazed everyone. He stood out among the young ones in His city. Perhaps this is why Nathaniel was surprised later on as he heard Phillip talk about Jesus: “And Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’” (John 1:46). Like Jesus, the majority of His disciples had come from the region of Galilee (Acts 2:7); most of them did not fit the description of one educated in Jerusalem. Despite being humble people and fishermen, they immediately responded to the Lord’s calling and followed Him. We can learn a very important lesson here: the search for God’s word causes a young one who desires to prepare himself to reign with Christ to understand, and whether poor or prosperous, the city where he grew up does not matter. Even if the situation where we live is unfavorable, if we practice seeking God’s presence and word, He will make us wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15-16). The Lord’s pattern is an excellent example for all young people and teenagers today. Many are brought to the church meetings by their parents who desire to see them serving the Lord (Psa. 119:9), and others come spontaneously and of their own volition, already having a vision that the Lord wants to use and prepare them to reign one day. All young people and teenagers need to be introduced into the realm of the church, where they are kept from the world, learn to serve God, and to be acquainted with His word.
My key point: Question: What stands out in a young one who prepares himself to reign with Christ?
Birth of Jesus
Key point: Loving God’s presence and word.
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Week 1
– THURSDAY
Scripture reading:
Deut. 6:7; Prov. 29:17; Eph. 6:4 Read with prayer:
Train up your child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6). THE WAY TO EDUCATE CHILDREN
Adults who are parents are especially responsible to introduce their children into the church’s healthy atmosphere. While they are young, our children must be directed and disciplined—not only at home, but also during the church meetings. Many families allow their children to run freely, even during the meetings. This is a concern, for in doing so they lose the opportunity to teach their children important principles regarding limitations, education, and respect (Prov. 29:17; Eph. 6:4). The way children behave is a result of their parent’s leading in their family environment. During conferences, for instance, many saints do not take the front seats because they cannot control their children as they move about. This indicates that these children have too much freedom at home and have not learned adequate restriction from their parents. In many churches, there is a service dedicated to caring for both children and young people. In this service, brothers and sisters voluntarily care for these young ones according to their age group. Some families have this healthy habit of bringing their young ones to the children’s and young people’s meetings. If we lead our children in the way of the Lord from a young age, they will not forget it, even as they become adults.
Key point: A child who is taught in the way of the Lord will not deviate from it.
Birth of Jesus
In the church, while young children are cared for throughout the years, they should already be able to receive principles of God’s word, so that the desire to be saved may be manifested one day. Today, those who experienced such care in the past do the same for others, which in turn causes young ones to take care of children who are even younger. This mutual care between generations causes the church to advance. Fortunately, in our midst there are young people who dedicate their lives to serving the Lord, restricting themselves to arriving early at the church meetings. Their involvement in the Lord’s service is an excellent opportunity for them to be trained and advance in their experiences with God. Nevertheless, the parents need to be attentive to their children’s behavior at home. The way Jesus was raised points out a healthy path for parents to tread. Follow the example of Joseph and Mary and seek to provide your children with an adequate family environment, which also includes the church meetings. In His youth, Jesus certainly did not contact God’s word only during the annual feast of the Passover; He already knew God’s Word from the teachings He received from Joseph and Mary in the environment of His family (Deut. 6:6-7). It is quite concerning today that parents allow their children excessive liberty. I recommend that you help your children find a balance between the use of the television, computer, games, and recreational activities such as sports and school, so that they learn to always pay God’s Word the attention it deserves. Parents can take advantage of this week’s message and fellowship among each other, exchanging experiences and making any appropriate changes to the way they educate their children.
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My key point: Question: Why should our contact with God’s Word not be limited to the church meetings alone?
Week 1
– FRIDAY
Scripture reading:
Gen. 3:9; Num. 27:1-7; Lam. 3:55, 57; 1 John 4:9 Read with prayer:
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether (Psa. 19:8-9).
The Lord Jesus was named Immanuel, which means God with us. In the past, we believed only that we were the ones who needed God’s presence; in other words, we always needed Him to meet our needs. Today, however, we thank Him for clearly seeing that not only do we need God’s presence, but He also needs ours (Gen. 3:9). We can have God’s presence whenever we call on the Lord’s name. In the Old Testament, only a few men were able to enter into God’s presence; these men were part of a select group, and even the times were predetermined (Exo. 20:19). Thankfully, in the New Testament, God Himself came to us through the Son, thus changing the way He interacted with humanity. Whenever we desire God’s presence, we just call on His name and He comes to us (Lam. 3:55, 57). We often think that whatever God determines is unchangeable. However, even the Lord Jehovah has made changes in the past. On certain occasions, even under the rigor of the law in the Old Testament, He allowed certain rules to be changed, so that righteousness would be made. This is what happened to the daughters of Zelophehad (Num. 27:1-7).
Birth of Jesus
GOD IS RIGHTEOUS AND LOVING
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According to the law, every family in Israel (with the exception of the Levites) received an inheritance which passed on to the first-born bearing the family’s name. Zelophehad, however, had four daughters and no son; once he was dead, his daughters would be left without an inheritance and his name would be forgotten. Unhappy with the situation, they brought this matter to Moses, telling him that their father had never rebelled against the Lord (vv. 3-4). Moses, in turn, brought that matter before the Lord. On that occasion, the Lord showed that His precepts were upright and that His judgments were righteous and truthful (Psa. 19:8-9). God found Zelophehad to be righteous and listened to his daughters’ petition; He allowed them to receive the portion of the inheritance which was due to them, thus prescribing this right as a norm to be applied in similar cases among the children of Israel (Num. 27:6-11). God is righteous and loving. We did not have free access to His presence, but because He desires to be with us, God came to us in the person of the Lord Jesus, becoming our Immanuel. It was because of love that God changed the way He interacted with humanity—no longer by means of the law, but through His grace.
Key point: God desires our presence. My key point: Question: Explain how God changed His way of interacting with humanity in the New Testament.
Week 1
– SATURDAY
Scripture reading:
Psa. 16:11; Is 6:1, 5; Matt. 1:20-23; Luke 3:23; John 1:14; 2:25; Heb. 2:17; 4:15 Read with prayer:
When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek”(Psa. 27:8).
In the Old Testament, the Lord Jehovah sat upon a high and lifted up throne (Isa. 6:1, 5). While in this high and heavenly position, it is understandable for some to think that God could not comprehend human weaknesses (John 9:32; 10:4-5). Nevertheless, God became a man like us in the person of the Lord Jesus (Heb. 2:17). For thirty-three and a half years, He lived among people and had a variety of experiences; even to the point of exactly understanding what human nature is like (John 1:14; 2:25). He was tempted in all things, and is therefore able to sympathize with us (Heb. 4:15). After the Holy Spirit conceived the Lord Jesus in Mary, He came to us (Matt. 1:20). Since the time of Mary’s pregnancy, God limited Himself in space and time in order to fulfill the promise that a woman’s descendant would defeat God’s enemy (Gen. 3:23). Once He was born, the child was named Jesus, which means Jehovah, the salvation (Matt. 1:21). His name is also Immanuel—God with us—indicating that the Son of God had brought His presence to man. On the one hand, God’s presence supplies our need for peace and joy, but on the other, God also desires to have our presence. Today, we seek God not only to obtain what we
Birth of Jesus
GOD DESIRES OUR PRESENCE
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need, but also to have fellowship with the Lord, reciprocating the great love He has for us. It was because of love that God approached man as Immanuel, God with us; He desires to enjoy our presence. In the record of Genesis, we see that God walked in the garden in the cool of the day to meet and to have fellowship with man. After they had sinned, Adam and Eve hid from God because of their nakedness and shame. Unable to find them at that moment, God called and asked, “Where are you?” (3:8-9). God has always loved man and longed for his presence. The Lord was certainly saddened to cast Adam and Eve out of the garden, for it was a place of uninterrupted fellowship. This shows God’s desire to be with us. God’s presence is not only for our benefit, for our own presence is also very important to Him. When we have face-to-face fellowship with the Lord, He also becomes joyful and His heart is satisfied. Today, when we call on the Lord’s name, we get His presence and He gets ours (Psa. 16:11; 116:12-13). As we have fellowship with the Lord, we should not be insensitive to His needs, thinking only of ourselves. Instead, let us set aside these moments to open our hearts to Him, calling on His name with our whole being. The Lord desires to be loved by us, for His love toward us is everlasting (Jer. 31:3; Mark 12:30). If we walk and live in the spirit, God will have our constant presence, and we will have His; as the life-giving Spirit today, the Lord can be with us always. Hallelujah!
Key point: Not being insensitive to God’s needs. My key point: Question: Why is God saddened by our absence?
Week 1
– SUNDAY
Scripture reading:
Matt. 1:20-23; John 4:24; 14:16; 1 Cor. 15:45; 1 Tim. 2:5 Read with prayer:
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever (John 14:16).
We need the Lord’s constant presence and He needs ours. Joseph is an example in the Old Testament of someone who had God’s presence in all circumstances—whether sold as a slave, unjustly imprisoned, or given authority over Egypt. The Bible shows that the Lord was with him in all situations (Gen. 39:23). Joseph sought out God and depended on Him for everything. He became a pattern to us all of someone who was prepared to reign. This indicates that God’s presence is essential for those who desire to reign in the coming world. The road we should take today is to enjoy Immanuel, God with us. When man began calling upon the Lord’s name, he did so expecting to receive His presence. God also desired to return to man, so He is seeking His true worshippers (John 4:23-24). Today, we thank the Lord for being able to experience the fact that He is near to those who call upon Him (Psa. 145:18). Incarnation was God’s first step toward approaching man. In the person of Jesus, God limited Himself to time and space as a normal man. Hence, as the Son of man, He was unable to be in multiple places at the same time. Also, the Lord was restricted to living in that time period, hindered from transcending time in order to reach other generations. For this reason, He took the two following steps to be closer to us: death and resurrection.
Birth of Jesus
IMMANUEL BECAME OUR SALVATION
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In His wisdom and sovereignty, God caused Christ to resurrect on the third day (2 Cor. 4:14). Not only did the Lord resurrect, but He also became the life-giving Spirit, who is able to abide in us (1 Cor. 15:45). As Immanuel, God can eternally be with us. As we look at what He has accomplished, we can see how precious Jesus is! Without His birth, human living, death, and resurrection, we would have neither salvation nor God’s presence. He is Immanuel! He brought God to us and, in resurrection, He became the other Comforter, the Spirit of reality, through whom we were brought to God’s presence (John 14:3, 16). Hallelujah!
Key point: God’s constant presence. My key point: Question: Why is Jesus precious to you? Complementary Reading: “Your Kingdom Come” – chap. 7 – Dong Yu Lan. “Walking According to God’s Will” – chap. 7 – Dong Yu Lan. “How to Shape Children” – chap. 3 – Editorial Body.
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