One truth that is hard to believe . . .

Probably the greatest truth of the gospel that makes people say, “No way!” is that God became a man. The idea of this sometimes brings strong reaction. One woman clenched her fists and shouted, “He would never do that.” But He did and He did it because this was the only way to rescue us!

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham (all those who have the same faith as Abraham had). Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:14–18, italics are not in the text, the biblical explanation only of who are the offspring of Abraham)

The penalty for humanity’s sin had to be paid by a human. The death that humans suffer had to be experienced by a human. The sins that we struggle with had to be experienced by a human who could resist them and remain sinless so He could know exactly how to help us in our struggles against temptation, the fear of death, even the threat of eternal wrath.

Yesterday’s pain is gone. What better way to begin today than is this reminder that for all the hurts and sins we commit against each other, for all the aches and sorrows of life, the miseries of humanity, God became a man, lived through them too, and then died so we do not have to fear death — because for those who trust in Him, death is merely the portal to eternal life.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Lord Jesus, thank You for leaving the perfection of glory in heaven to come here, to experience the scum of the earth, to eat and drink with sinners, to love all of us even the worst of us enough to die for our sin that we might live for Your glory. This is the marvel and the mystery of the Gospel.

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. (1 Timothy 3:16)

Today’s thankful list . . .

- that God opened my eyes and my heart to the reality of Jesus Christ.

- that His peace prevails even in the storms and loud noises of life.

- that I can take all my cares and concerns to the Lord of all Creation and He know all about them because He experienced them too.

- that I have no fear of death.

- that Jesus reigns in glory and that I will join Him there.

- for my cleaning lady who calls me a rock star.