Post Christmas Comfort: Fear Not! Emmanuel, One of Us (Part 2)
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As near as God has always been to His people, when Jesus Christ, the Son of God, pierced through and entered our human history, everything changed.
But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman... Galatians 4:4
God came closer still... He became one of us and so He took on our fears, the greatest of which is our separation from Himself. Even though God was nearby, there was separation...until Jesus!
Why were we separated from God? Our sin, rebellion, independence...yes, of our first parents, but we confirm that choice time after time with our own.
And this one of us Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became closely associated with us as the God-Man who died to pay for that independent way of ours. But not only that, He lived our life...the life we couldn't live.
For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:10-11 NLT
Friends of God! What awesome news!
No wonder the angels declared,
Don’t be afraid!...I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today...
And because our Savior walked out this fear-infested life as we have, He died, He arose, and He is the now enthroned Son of God at the right hand of the Father, the Holy Spirit assures us,
So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT
Did you hear that...come boldly to His throne for mercy and grace to help!
And this one of us, Jesus, both God and Man, has said to us,
What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows...
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
And here is my favorite part...
Shepherd and sheep
So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Luke 12:6-7,25-32 NLTLots of our worries are around food...clothing...stuff... And in our culture, it's most often NOT about lack, but really about wants and desires.
But the really great news is that God's Kingdom is ours because of our Lord Jesus Christ. And Jesus explained what that Kingdom is like. It's not an external kingdom (though it may affect our external world), but an internal one. So why should we fear?
For behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you]. Luke 17:21 AMP
Next time we will explore the fearlessness of this internal kingdom, but for now...
No matter what you & I are facing today, my friends, our Emmanuel says to you and to me,
Don't be afraid...I AM with you...right here, right now! I understand...I care about you and your needs...release it all to Me and be at rest!
IMMANUEL
A sign shall be givenA virgin will conceiveA human baby bearingUndiminished deityThe glory of the nationsA light for all to seeThat hope for all who will embraceHis warm reality
Chorus: ImmanuelOur God is with usAnd if God is with usWho could stand against usOur God is with usImmanuel
For all those who live in the shadow of deathA glorious light has dawnedFor all those who stumble in the darknessBehold your light has come
Chorus:ImmanuelOur God is with usAnd if God is with usWho could stand against usOur God is with usImmanuel
So what will be your answer?Will you hear the call?Of Him who did not spare His sonBut gave him for us allOn earth there is no powerThere is no depth or heightThat could ever separate usFrom the love of God in Christ
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSEqXbnOrQU[/youtube]
