UNWRAP THE GIFT
Hebrews 2:14-18
V. 17: “For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people.”
Jeremy (and his family) went to visit his cousins, Danny and Benjy, (and their family) the day after Christmas. Entering the playroom, Jeremy tripped over the torn wrapping paper that covered the floor. “I know that you didn’t just leave the wrapping paper on the floor a whole day, guys! Comeon now, you’re acting like babies instead of 8 year old kids!” 10 year old Jeremy scolded. He crouched down and grabbed the paper he could reach, saying, “Throw this paper away!”
“Mom didn’t say we had to” Benjy whined.
“But you’re already enjoying the presents, aren’t you?” Jeremy challenged.
Excited to tear wrapping paper off presents—kids delight with their new gifts—and forget to clean the trash off the floor. But often we forget to unwrap the gift of Jesus, and delight in the Miraculous Gift (see devotion) that God gave to us, His kids. Just as the opening Scripture teaches, Jesus was made human, just like us. We can’t say that “we can’t be like Him.” or “He doesn’t know how we feel.” Rubbish—just like the used wrapping on the floor!
What’s more: when we believe in Jesus—as the Son of God Who died for our sins on the cross, was buried and rose from the dead—we get more gifts. Many people just adore the gift of Jesus Christ, and don’t bother to unwrap the gift of salvation. Is it because we resist making Jesus Lord over our lives?
What do we think we have to lose making Jesus King of our lives? What would He steal? Our independence? We are totally free when we depend 100% on Christ instead of our own wimpy human strength. The Father gave us free will so that we’d come to Him on our own, instead of being robots that automatically obey. But let’s use our free will to choose to do the smart thing, the right thing. Let’s unwrap Jesus and put our trust in Him alone. All other ways of living are trash.
Jesus isn’t a baby anymore. Will you dare to trust in the risen Lord to be Lord of your life?
Take Home Nugget
We should all be rejoicing, every day and in all situations. Jesus has come to set us free (from sin), to bless us with hope for the future, and to offer us eternal life in heaven.
Joyful living for Jesus followers is a certainty—because we base living on Christ.
J.D. Griffith
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