Today’s devotional reading brings the lines of a
praise chorus into mind, “There is no one like You, none like You…”
Thinking about the unique nature of Jesus Christ
brought to mind something I read years ago on a church bulletin. It was written
by an unknown author and quoted by many.
More than 2000 years ago, there was a man born contrary to the laws of life. This man lived in poverty and was reared in obscurity. Only once did he cross the boundary of the country in which He lived; that was during his exile in childhood. In infancy, he startled the king. In childhood, he puzzled the doctors. In manhood he ruled the course of nature, walked upon the billows as if on pavement, and hushed the sea to sleep. He never wrote a book, and yet all of the libraries of the country could not hold the books that have written about Him.
He never wrote a song, and yet He has furnished the theme for more songs than all of the songwriters combined. He never founded a college, but all the schools put together cannot boast of having as many students. Though time has spread many years between the people of this generation and the scene of the crucifixion; yet, He still lives. Herod could not destroy Him, and the grave could not hold Him. He stands forth upon the highest pinnacle of heavenly glory, proclaimed by God, acknowledged by angels, adored by saints, and feared by devils as the living, personal Christ, our Lord, our Savior, and our God!
Jesus painted no pictures, wrote no poetry, composed no music; and, never wrote a book. Yet, the greatest artists, poets, composers and authors have received their inspiration from Him.
He raised no army, but those who would fight for His truth, principles and cause can be numbered into the millions. The pages of history are besmirched with the blood of those who died for Him. Wars have been fought, thrones have been abdicated because of Him. Throughout centuries, His name has been above every name. His life, His teachings, and His ethics have changed, altered, and transformed communities, cities, countries and continents.
The skeptic has tried to dispute Him, the scoffer has tried to doubt Him, and the atheist has tried to deny Him. Yet, He still stands as the undisputed, undoubted, and undeniable fact, force, and figure of history. He stands alone in a class all to Himself. He is forever the Great Unlike. There's no other man like this man. His name is Jesus!
On this day of worship, what better thoughts to have
than the uniqueness of my Lord and Savior, the sinless Son of God who died for
me, proving who He was by His death and resurrection, but also by His
incredible life.
As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. (Acts 10:36–38)
Jesus, by the power of God, defeated Satan and
released those held under his oppression. This Jesus still heals broken hearts,
forgives sin and sets captives free. There is no one like Him, none like Him.
All over the world during worship services today, Christians
will raise their hands to worship Jesus. We bow our heads, and we sing for joy.
Charles Lamb, the essayist said, "If Shakespeare walked into the room we
would stand to our feet. But, if Jesus Christ walked into the room, we would
fall on our face!” Yet He is in every room, with us now and forever — just as He
promised.
Oh Lord, my God, may my heart be filled with thoughts
of You this day and may I respond to You with worship, expressing that worship
in a manner that pleases You. Thank You for all that You are and do. Thank You for
doing good in my life and in the lives of all who trust in You. May we bless
and reverence You this day — and every day on into eternity!
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