Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Beyond our Understanding

by Dr. Paul Chappell

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made 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.

John 1:12–14

Senator Daniel Webster was known for his eloquence, his devotion to the United States, and his unshakable faith in God. The story goes that he was dining with some literary men in Boston. During the dinner, the conversation turned to Christianity, and Webster clearly stated his belief in the deity of Christ and his dependence upon the atonement. One of those present said to him, “Mr. Webster, can you comprehend how Christ could be both God and man?” Mr. Webster promptly replied, “No, sir, I cannot comprehend it. If I could comprehend Him, He would be no greater than myself. I feel that I need a super-human Saviour.”

Faith is a requirement for the Christian life because even having the Bible and the Holy Spirit within to help us understand and apply it to our lives, God's nature is beyond our understanding. The mind of man is not able to comprehend an unlimited, eternal deity. When we do not understand, we must accept that what He says is true and act accordingly.

This is what faith in action looks like. We not only give mental assent to what God says, but we allow it to control what we do. Paul reminds us, “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)” (2 Corinthians 5:7). God has the right to demand our obedience without explanation. He is always right, and we are safe when we follow and obey Him in faith.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Even when what God says is beyond what we can understand, we must believe it and act on it.

CURRENT RADIO SERIES Giving God Your Best   CURRENT TV SERIES Generosity

“… rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious….” --1 Peter 2:4 In this verse, Peter is giving us a powerful insight into the most critical issue that you or I will ever have to consider. And that insight comes when Peter uses the words rejected by men. You may think, “Well, of course Jesus was rejected.” And he was. But the word that Peter uses doesn’t mean rejection in the way that we usually use it. You see, as Peter uses it, the word rejection means “tested” and “examined.” Let me put this in context for you. It was Palm Sunday, and throngs of people welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem. They hailed him as the king of the Jews. But soon their cheers would turn to jeers. You remember that Jesus was arrested and brought before Pilate. And he was tested by judges and examined by religious men. Our Lord was beaten to within an inch of his life with a crown of thorns thrust down on his brow. And then it happened. Pilate yelled to the blood-thirsty mob, saying, “What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” (Matthew 27:22). And the crowd of people who had hailed him as king shrieked and screamed for his death. Jesus was tested, examined, and rejected to the utmost. Finally, our Savior, “rejected by men,” was crucified and died on the cross for the sins of the world. But you see, that was not the last time that Jesus would be tested, examined, or rejected. Because Pilate’s question hangs in the air for all time and each of us must answer. This is life’s big question! And no one can escape it. I answered it. And I have never looked back. And it is a question that you have to answer. What will you do with Jesus who is called Christ? I pray that you know the profound joy of having Christ as your Savior. But if you do not, Jesus wants to give you new life in him. But it has to be your choice. You can test Jesus and examine him, reject him, or accept him. There is no ignoring this inescapable, unavoidable Savior. Ask him into your heart and life right now. I promise you, you will never regret it.   WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH JESUS?