Magnificent
As people are scurrying from shop to shop on the
cobblestone streets of a city in Europe, the music begins. The sounds
reverberate against the buildings and streets of stone catching the ears of
passersby, causing them to wonder the music's source and the reason for its
being played. Some eyes are drawn to a man in his 60s, balding and lightly
bearded, who is standing alone in the center of the street with a hat placed
before him.
Then the man begins to sing, and more and more stop to
listen. His operatic voice reflects no ordinary talent. Sadly, there are those
who keep walking, carrying on with their business. But the crowd of listeners
grows. Some, in response to the beautifully sung melodies, walk awkwardly up to
the man and place some coins in his hat. Others stop and listen - some with
smiles, others with tears in their eyes - as the music and singing captures
their hearts. Those who stop to listen are blessed with the words of a tender
song, "You Raise Me Up," magnificently sung by Martin Hurkens, winner of
"Holland's Got Talent" in 2010. Watch his "street singer" performance and the
reaction of the listeners here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RojlDwD07I
Now
consider a Man sitting on a mountain side Who begins a discourse with the words,
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew
5:3ff). Imagine following the Teacher, desiring to hear more of His instruction
but also wanting to observe His character. Those who would take the time and
opportunity to do so observed that this was no ordinary man. His words were
sublime, His character flawless, His manner of dealing with people,
perfect!
There were some who dismissed Him; others rejected Him outright.
But those with open hearts who listened carefully, observed closely, and
investigated thoroughly, saw and heard more than magnificence; they witnessed
Majesty! These responded, "Truly, this IS the Son of God." He was Immanuel,
God-in-the-flesh.
He came to REVEAL the Heavenly Father (John 1:18),
TEACH us the will of God (Matthew 7:21-27), GIVE us the perfect example to
follow (1 Peter 2:21), and to DIE on the cross for our sins (1 Corinthians
15:1-4). He came to live among men and then to die for all so that we might have
the forgiveness of our sins and receive the gift of eternal life (Ephesians 1:7;
Romans 6:23).
God will forgive and give the gift of eternal life to those
who will place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their
sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10),
and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
He will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of
His word (1 John 1:7).
Please pause from your busyness.... Take a closer
look at Jesus: READ His Word, EXAMINE His works, OBSERVE His interactions,
CONSIDER His selfless sacrifice and SEE His Majesty. Then surrender your life
to Him!
Won't YOU?
David A. Sargent
No comments:
Post a Comment