Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
Jesus promises that He is coming again: “I come quickly” (Revelation 22:7, 12, 20). As we contemplate the certainty of judgment upon an evil world that willfully spurns the offer of everlasting salvation, we must not forget the love of Jesus. This love is a core characteristic of the Savior (Luke 19:41-44) and deals with our emotions and intellects (Matthew 24:3-10). His comprehensive love also involves human will, our ability to choose. In Luke 22:39-46, in the Garden of Gethsemane, the fatigued followers of Jesus fell asleep; they did not have the will to stay awake. Jesus exercised His will not only to stay awake and pray but also to say to God the Father, “Not My will, but Thine be done” (verse 42). This is a decisive, willing act of love. How does this demonstration of love tie into the theme of Jesus’ coming again? Jesus knew all that was to come that evening and the next day! He knew that He would die on the Cross. He was fully aware that His disciples would fail Him – and that we would frequently fail Him as well. He specifically stated that many would reject His salvation and thus fall under necessary judgment. Still, He decided to suffer and die. The thoroughness of the love of Jesus envelops, enfolds, and embraces us now as we await His return – and for all eternity.