If we were to thumb through the scriptures of the Bible. And seek for one verse that adequately describes the mission and purpose of Christ. I believe it would fall on, (Luke 19:10), “The Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” This was his purpose in coming to the earth, and it explains his teachings and his life style during his ministry. The apostle Paul wrote, “According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Eph. 3:11).
When man sinned in the garden of Eden and paradise was lost. God had a plan before the foundation of the world (a cure for sin). God’s approach to sin was swift and quick, like an eagle descending down from the rafters of the wind to attack its prey. Satan thought he had shook the foundations of heaven when his influences caused man to stumble. Satan, however had only sealed his tomb and eternal doom. God used a branding iron on the head of Satan with “Gen. 3:15.” God promised a Savior “redeemer” who would delivered a mortal head wound to Satan. One cannot compete with the almighty and expect to win.
When the perfect and unblemished man of God fell into the mire of sin. God had a way to wash away his sin and cleanse him from his iniquity. He knew no man could escape sin, for it proliferated like a plague to all men. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23). Not one of us could hope to escape its damnation by our merits alone. Thus the grace, love, mercy and compassion of God radiated toward man, like the sun through the dark clouds of an overcast day. God gave a brilliant light of guidance to the lost. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Ps. 119:`105). His word, illuminates and guides us away from the perilous roads of sin and temptations. God’s word in that lantern that we must hold out in front of us, to show us the way of righteousness, and to expose sin for what it really is. We must keep our eyes open and be sober and alert to the wiles of the devil. ““Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Ps. 119:18). Only the law can keep us from sin.
“Christ came to seek and save the lost.” (Lk. 19:10). The Lord has given us a mission as well; to seek the lost and tell them of the life saving gospel. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” (Matt.28:19-20).We are commanded to tell the world of Jesus and his gospel (good news) of salvation. Paul, “was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. “For it is the power of God unto salvation,” (Rom. 1:16).
Sometimes those that spread the gospel are not appreciated. “ And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. (Lk.4:24). Jesus was “despised and rejected of men” (Isaiah 53:3). If the very son of God had to deal with rejection, then how much more should we have to accept rejection? Yet, one man “Jesus Christ” changed the world for all time. Not even a thousand Leonardo da Vinces, Michael Angelos, Rembrandts, could change the world as Jesus did. Rejection, does not mean failure. It is better to have favor with God, then it is to have it with men. Men do not have a heaven or hell to send you to, but God does!
Jesus came to “preach to the poor” (Lk. 4:18). It is nice to have someone on our side isn’t it? It was said one time in the 1950’s, “there are only two institutions that have ever cared about the poor man; that is Sears and Roebuck and Jesus Christ.” One must admire the humility of Jesus. He came from heaven’s glory and principalities to live a meager existence on earth. One might as well try to understand the depths of the universe as to try and comprehend the infinite mind of God. Bless his holy name for he is truth and light.
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