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.)
The just judgment of those who willfully reject Jesus and His offer of salvation is outlined in Revelation 14:9-11: “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, ‘If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation: and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.’” These rebels choose to “worship” the Antichrist, but this misplaced faith brings “no rest day nor night.” We can contrast this sad outcome with the universal and personal invitation of Jesus: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). False religions dictate, “Do!” Jesus generously says, “Come.” When we respond to His call, He gives us His best, including His rest: “Ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29c). Centuries ago, Augustine wisely concluded, “our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” May this calm confidence envelop each one of us today.