What Love Is

¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. ¹⁵ (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) ¹⁶ For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:14-17 ESV®)

I have noticed looking back at history that mankind’s desire has not changed through the many centuries of existence. Idi Amin, in the 20^th century, appointed himself president for life and god of Uganda. Genghis Khan, back in the 12^th century, thought of himself as being a god and he would united the Mongolian tribes and conquer the world. Even earlier in history, the 40 BCs, Julius Caesar became the ruler of the Roman empire and declared himself god.

           Going back even to the very beginning of time (Genesis 3:1-6), the serpent wanted to be a god and used that same desire to get Eve and Adam to disobey the God who created them all.

           It seems mankind has always been intrigued with becoming god to give himself power over everything around him. As I look at the history of mankind there seems to be only one time that a God desired to became a man.

           In my simple human thinking I have trouble understanding a God that would want to give up everything to become a lowly product in His creation. But there was no other way our sinful condition could be atoned for. So, God gave up all of heaven’s comforts to become a man.

           As we celebrate another Christmas season let us not forget that there was only one thing that brought the babe of Christmas. For God so loved the world (John 3:16).

           We need to remember that the God who came to dwell among us, finished (John 19:30) the task of atoning for our sinful ways. We are forgiven and can call heaven our home because Jesus totally paid the price. The only thing left for us to do is celebrate that we have a God that showed us what love really is.

    

 

                                   Wess Mechler – Jesus is Alive!

 

ESV® - The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.