Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ – the unequalled, inescapable, totally incomparable…THE Risen Saviour! What a beautiful morning that we have been given…make it special! Although I know that time moves consistently…365 days a year – 52 weeks – 12 months – 30/31 days – 24 hours at a time – 60 minutes – 60 seconds – etc …it sure seems to go faster than that.Here we are on the 5th of November and our world is changing so fast…no wonder there are many songs that have been written about this strange experience…by folk like Bonnie Tyler, Perry Como, Harry Chapin, Solomon. Today I will be praying for you, asking Father to grant you the ability to savour every moment that He gives you.
I have been doing some extra reading as I prepare for the coming Advent season and once again I am captured by the realization that no matter how people, religions, politicians, and skeptics try to hide/cover/divert attention/declare invalid or whatever…the name of Jesus is still pivotal to our world. The name of Jesus carries a kaleidoscopic avatar or icon… a multi-faceted image of a manger and a travelling teacher and a cross on a hillside and an empty tomb and the faces of millions of redeemed people. Just this morning I read two quotes: Whether He was God, man or myth, one thing is certain about Jesus Christ – He has made more impact upon the world than any other person in history. ‘Bamber Gascoigne’ – Apart from Jesus Christ, there is no one else really bidding for the heart of the world; there is no one else in the field. ‘an Indian historian.
There really isn’t anyway to describe or to commend or elaborate on the name that has caught the attention of so many gifted men and women who, through words and art and music, have done amazingly well. I am captivated by five letters – “J-E-S-U-S” – and I feel like a little boy in Sunday School drawing/colouring an image of the Jesus he somehow envisions. This morning as I ponder, I am caught off-guard by Jesus. I am humbled by his love. I am wrapped in a gentle power. I am overwhelmed by his kindness. I am challenged by his holiness. I am accepted by his grace. I am renewed by his presence. I am transformed by his power. I can sing with the song writer: Now I belong to Jesus – Jesus belongs to me – Not for the years of time alone – But for eternity. – Norman John Clayton.
May you be blessed today by the name of “Jesus!”