Solomon asked an interesting question in 2 Chronicles 6: 18, “But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain you; how much less this house which I have built!”
The answer to this question is Isaiah 9:6-7, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
Matt 1:23 confirms it! “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Not only that, but John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Isn’t that wonderful that God dwells with us, among us, and in us. Isn’t it amazing that God himself wanted to dwell among his creation and came to earth to save us from our sins. He came to earth and experienced what we experience, what we go through, what we feel and to show us the way more excellently. He left the glory of heaven to dwell with his creation! John 3: 16 says “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes on him will not perish but have everlasting life!”
As I look at all the other religions, they worship a god who they think or believe is with them, but we worship a God who is with us! The difference between true worship and false worship can be summed up in two words; Relationship or religion.
Relationship is God reaching down to man with love, grace, and truth reconnecting our hearts to the Father through relationship in Jesus Christ. Religion is man attempting to find God or trying to appease God through doctrines, rituals, and religious observances. The late Myles Munroe stated that Jesus didn’t come to start a religion, but came to establish rulership through relationship.
The birth of Jesus Christ brought God to man. But the cross of Christ, brings man to God! Many of us will give or receive gifts next week, but the greatest gift that was given to mankind was Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the Living God!
It is a gift that was paid in full, it is the gift that leaves no debt unpaid! it is the gift that keeps on giving, it is the gift you won’t have to get a rain check for, and above all, It is the gift that will never break, wear out or depreciate! The gift has been given, receive the gift today! For He is the most precious gift ever given to mankind!
Jesus said in Rev 3:20 ” Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
Today during this Christmas season, in the midst of giving and receiving gifts, receive and celebrate the greatest gift ever given to man, Jesus Christ!
God Bless, Pastor Quinn
Praise God for the unmeritted favor He gave us through His son Jesus Christ.
Amen, to God be the glory.