TODAY’S VERSE:
Romans 11:36 For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
In prep school, we discussed what a blessing it is to spend time with parents, siblings, and close friends- talking, laughing, playing games, and just being ourselves around those who love us. When you love someone you want to talk with them, spend time with them, be a part of their life, and you want them to love you in return.
It’s the same for God- He loves you.
Romans 5:8 God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
God wants to be a part of your life- every day. He wants to spend time with you, and talk with you through His Word and prayer.
Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”
I Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing,
God wants you to love Him in return
Matthew 22:37-38 Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.’
But, wait, how can a perfect God…
Psalm 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
… have a relationship with a completely imperfect person?
Ecclesiastes 7:20 Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.
Fortunately for us, Jesus Christ chose to be the mediator (person who solves a conflict) between God and man- giving humans and God a “common ground”.
1 Timothy 2:5-6 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
Jesus Christ is what you and God have “in common”. Your entire relationship with God centers around ONE person- Jesus Christ. He became the Ultimate Sacrifice, receiving the judgement for the sin of all mankind, so we could be reconciled (made friends) to God. When you receive salvation, you are made righteous (justified), which allows you to have a relationship with the perfectly righteous God of the universe. This is impossible without Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior, and Mediator, truly is the center of it all!