July 2005

07.01.2005

ne Parson’s Opinion

It’s an old story but it goes like this: Karl Barth, who earned many doctorates in theology, was speaking at the University of Chicago School of Theology. After he spoke, there was a Q & A time. One attendee asked, “Dr. Barth, with your vast knowledge of the Bible and theology, what is the greatest truth you have discovered?” Here was his answer, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so!”

You may say, “what is so profound about that? We learned that in Sunday School as a child!” But, it is a profound mystery. Jesus, who was God in the flesh, loves you and He loves me. That love for us led Him to leave Heaven and live in a sinful fallen world for 33 years and then die on a cross to pay for our sin.

Why did He do all of this? Because you were on His heart even before time began.

Trying to figure how all of this could be puts ones head spinning. So, instead of figuring it out as a Christian, revel in the truth and enjoy the fact that we are loved. He promises to give us eternal life (John. 3:16). He promises to never leave or forsake us (Deut. 31:6 & Heb. 13:5). He promises to meet our needs (Matt. 6 & Phil. 4:19). Why does He promise all of these and more? Because He loves us.

As a child my response to my parents love and gifts was self-centered. It was not a response of gratitude for what they had given. It was a response of wanting more.

As an adult I moved from self-centeredness to being grateful for all mom and dad sacrificed to provide. My gratefulness showed in my behavior toward them.

I believe it’s the same way in our relationship with God. As we mature – we still desire His help – but we move to gratitude for His overwhelming love and gifts to us. This gratitude begins to show in the way we live.

For example, grateful Christians are regular in corporate worship, tithing, regular in daily devotions, are students of the Bible, witness for Jesus as they have opportunity, etc.

Let me encourage you to meditate on the love of Jesus for you. Let His love begin to move you along the path to maturity as a Christian. Remember, He loves you so much that if you were the only “sinner” in the world, He would have left Heaven just to die for you and pay for your sins.

See you on the Lord’s Day,

Jim

Posted by arbc at 10:12 AM