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 Revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:1) is, of course, thoroughly evangelical, directing our attention to the Savior. Revelation 21:8 is one of the numerous specific warnings given to all of us: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” “The abominable” (translated “the vile” in the New International Version) means “polluted.” It references a continued practice of and indulgence in sin that ultimately takes control of the individual and corrupts his entire being. II Corinthians 7:1 is a good reminder to all believers: “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” The preceding passage exhorts us, “Be ye separate” (II Corinthians 6:17) – literally, “Set boundaries.” The wise Christian will have places that he will not go and people that he will not permit to influence him: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (II Corinthians 6:14). Let us not even dabble in that which God calls “abominable.”