The people were divided about Jesus.
John 7:43
The Real Jesus
Some things never change. One could almost argue that this is a contradiction. As one looks over the course of time, many changes have taken place. Change also seems to take place more and more rapidly. Some say it is because a person gets older. Some conclude it is just the way things are. Most tend to agree on one point. Too much change isn't a good thing.
It seems nothing is untouched by change, even perceptions about Jesus. Just talk to someone about him, or listen to their conversations. Opinions will vary and these will reveal a number of changes that have taken place. It seems as if people are not content until they change Jesus into something of their own liking.
There is a great danger in this kind of thinking. When I change Jesus into something I want, he no longer remains what I really need. This is where I need to strip away my illusions, my perceptions, and my personal interpretations, and I need to focus on the real Jesus.
Jesus is the one whom God the Father promised to send. He is the Christ, the one set apart to obediently accomplish the Father's will. He is the Savior, the one who removes the curse of sin's condemnation. He is the Redeemer, the one who pays the price to secure freedom from Satan's domination. He is the Good Shepherd, the one who knows his sheep and personally cares for them.
The real Jesus is the one I desperately need. I need an obedient Christ because of my lack of obedience. I need a powerful Savior because I am powerless. I need a faithful Redeemer because I am spiritually bankrupt. I need a loving Shepherd because I am lost and straying. I need Jesus to be the very one God the Father sent for me.
In a time of rapid and non-stop change, it is good to know one thing will never change. It is the love and faithfulness of my Savior, the real Jesus.
Prayer:
O dearest heavenly Father, thank you for seeing my great need and providing a great Savior. Thank you for revealing Jesus to me as that Savior, and bringing me into his never-ending and never-changing love. Amen!
This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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