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.)
As we considered yesterday, the details of Revelation 13 regarding the Antichrist and his chief aide provide a stark contrast to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The “mark…of the beast” (verses 16-17) is a symbol of tyranny, of economic blackmail, of servitude. This cynical display of despotism will be directed against all people, including children, the elderly, and the disabled. Satan will use their vulnerability against them, endeavoring to convince them that the only choice available is to submit. By contrast, Jesus submitted Himself to the Father’s will (Matthew 26:39b – “Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt”) and, on the Cross, said, “Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit” (Luke 23:46b). Whereas Satan wants to “mark” all people “in their right hand, or in their foreheads,” Jesus is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (revealed 13:8c). The crown of thorns marked His forehead, and both of His holy hands were shattered by the spikes of sinful mankind. Jesus is eternally marked in order to save us, to give us eternal freedom. Slavery or liberty – the decision rests with each individual.