WE CAN’T REACH GOD, SO GOD CAME TO US
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “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.” John 1:14, ESV
Theme: Our attempt to reach God through our own effort is religion; God reached out and revealed Himself to us in His Son, Jesus.
EVERYDAY RELIGION
Really, I try to be a good person. I give to charity. I treat other people kindly – most of the time. I am fair, especially to myself and my family. I take care of my people. I don’t waste my time on people who don’t do the same. For these reasons, I think I’m fine. I think a higher power would approve. Good karma and all... I do think I’d make the cut. Don’t you?
NOT ENOUGH
It is difficult to fault a non-believer for taking actions like those listed above as ways to improve, help others, and be kind. Unfortunately, believers sometimes live by those same flawed standards. The description above is haunting because it is familiar.
Yet God assures us that we can’t work our way into becoming a “perfect enough” individual all on our own. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, ESV). Humanity is broken. No matter how much cash we hand to a needy person, how many smiles we flash, polite “thank you’s” or chivalrous actions we take, we can’t mitigate our sin issue independently.
That is the reason God sent His Son Jesus to us as a perfect, sacrificial gift – Merry Christmas to us. It hurts to admit it. We celebrate His coming – and yet for Jesus, His arrival is a downgrade. He left perfection and fulfillment to accept certain pain, suffering, and brokenness. He did it because all our efforts were not then and are not now even close to enough.
WORD MADE FLESH
There were prophesies and promises. The Messiah was expected and anticipated. Yet until Jesus came, the people only had a word from God. The Word from God was made flesh of God. God reached out in a way we could hold, touch, speak with, and follow. At Christmas, we celebrate the day that Jesus came to earth. We may forget to acknowledge that Jesus came because perfection was not attainable through the Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 7:11). We may ignore the truth that our religion alone will not save us. “True religion” (as defined in James 1:27) moves us to respond to others in the same manner that Jesus responded to all humanity, with compassion, action, and holiness. When Jesus came, God reached out in the most tangible and sacrificial way possible, because it was the only way to reach us.
Make It Personal: Consider what parts of our Christmas traditions are religious and what parts celebrate Jesus by following His example of compassion and holiness. How can you accept His reach to you and, following His example, reach out to the hurting and lonely among us?
Pray: Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus. I’m sorry I don’t always appreciate the depth of sacrifice and loss. Help me to celebrate and reach out in this season. Open my eyes to the ways I try to earn respect and acceptance. You don’t require religion. You love us and offer rescue. Help me to see and appreciate You in a new way this Christmas season. Amen.
Read: John 14:6; Hebrews 7:11; James 1:27
Weekly Memory Verse: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6b, ESV