Speaking from my perspective, this world needs more Jesus. I am not talking about a version of Jesus that has been manufactured and morphed into a Jesus that best fits our picture of who he should be – no, I mean more of the Jesus who was prophesied about, who came and dwelt among men, and has since moved to his place of honor sitting at the right hand of the throne of God. We need more of that Jesus.
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Friend, which of us does not need our government to go back to resting on the shoulders and dictates of the LORD Almighty? That is where blessings lie. Which of us does not need a Mighty God, a God which holds within His fingertips power over all things? Which of us would not benefit and be blessed to have an Everlasting Father who brings to us a heart of compassion and love, while at the same time disciplines his children when we need it? Which of us does not seek – even need – a peace that frankly is impossible to attain from any other source than our Prince of Peace?
This is just a snapshot of our need for Jesus. We need this faithful friend. We need this one who will never leave nor forsake us. We need the One who was willing to sacrifice himself – taking our sins upon him – so that we could – through his sacrifice – be able to be in the presence of the Father. Forgiven. Set free. Healed. Redeemed. Given the promise of eternity.
This Jesus – the real Jesus – was not all accepting. He did not contradict the dictates of the Father, for to do so would mean he was neither holy nor God. Make no mistake, Jesus is both. Jesus spoke the truth and spoke against sin while at the same time demonstrating both love and compassion. But this Jesus was not then, nor ever, going to be separate from God’s laws, but rather the fulfillment of them. He is the bridge for those of us who could never cross from the chasm of sin into the glories of a perfect heaven without him.
“Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot – yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment.” (Isaiah 11:1-5)
Jesus is not a separate entity from God. Jesus’ love for us demonstrates God’s love for us. He does love us. AND he does not allow his children to do whatever they want without consequences. (Just like any good parent!) God has standards that have always been and always will be – based on holiness. Our “happiness” is not his goal for his children – our holiness is. And Jesus is the only way that we can ever become holy. Period.
Friend, it is through Jesus we have been saved. Not a false Jesus. Through the Son of God written about all through the Bible. He has come with purpose in accordance with the plan and will of the One and Only God.
“See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.’ With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2-3)
I need more of this Jesus. We need more of this Jesus. Let us drink deeply from the fountain of his salvation.
Blessings!