Before Jesus was born, the world was filled with darkness (Isaiah 60:2). But God had a plan to bring light to the world and reconcile us to Him through Jesus (Colossians 1:21-22).
Jesus was prophesied long ago as the one who would bring light to our darkened world (Isaiah 9:1-2). This was also prophesied in Isaiah 11. Jesus was referred to as the Son of David (Matthew 1:1). David was the son of Jesse. It seemed this bloodline would no longer bear any more fruit, but God made a promise. A shoot would rise from the Stump of Jesse, and that shoot would be Jesus. Even though it seemed impossible that this could happen and it looked like all hope was lost, God kept His promise.
Those two prophesies were fulfilled by Jesus. Jesus came to earth in a less than ordinary way, being birthed by His mother, Mary, in a stable in Jeruselum. Yet, that night, the Messiah was born (Luke 2:1-7). In Luke 1:76-79 we see the prophecy, that this holy baby, Jesus, the Light of the World, was fulfilled, and in Matthew 1:1, we see that in the genealogy, that Jesus is the Son of David.
Jesus born as a baby, was fully human in flesh and blood, yet He was fully God and holy. He has equal status with God, yet He made Himself nothing by becoming a servant (Philippians 2:6-7).
Jesus' life was perfect (1 Peter 2:22). He was humble and obedient (Philippians 2:8). He did not fall into temptation when He was tempted (Matthew 4:1-11). He who knew no sin became sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Jesus lived this perfect life, yet He did not receive the worship He should've or the worship He was deserving of. Instead, He was denied. He was beaten. He suffered. Yet He said nothing. He suffered in silence because He knew God would set all things right (1 Peter 2:21-23).
He picked up His cross, carried it, and was nailed to it. He suffered and shed His blood so that we could be reconciled with God. He knew that God would make all things right (1 Peter 2:24-25). He bore our sins (Isaiah 53:12). & by the grace of God, we are saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12). He is the King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15). He is our Saviour (2 Timothy 1:10). He is the long-awaited Messiah (Isaiah 9:6-7). He is the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Wonderful Counsellor, and Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6). His love is the greater love of all (John 15:13).
Now that we've taken a look at Jesus, let's look at the condition of man-kind. We were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). But very early on, sin was brought into the world by Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:4-3:24). The world was dark place in need of a Saviour.
We sin (Romans 3:23) and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). We are disobedient. We are selfish. We fail and make mistakes. We are imperfect. But by Jesus' wounds, we are healed (Isaiah 53:5 & 1 Peter 2:24).
In Christ, we are forgiven (Hebrews 8:12). In Him we are redeemed (Colossians 1:13-14). In Christ, we are chosen (Ephesians 1:4). In Christ, we have joy (John 15:11). In Christ, we have new life (Ephesians 4:20-24). In Christ, we have been reconciled (Colossians 1:19-20). In Christ, we have peace (Isaiah 53:5).
This is the greatest love of all. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." -John 15:13)
Whether you're going through a difficult season right now. Or whether everything seems lost and hopeless. Whether you feel alone and unloved this valentines day or any other day for that matter. Whatever your situation may be, you can trust God. He always works everything out for your good and for His glory. You can trust that God will keep His promises. He will be your helper (Psalm 121). He will be your strength (1 Chronicles 16:11 ). He is always with you (Isaiah 41:10). & He loves you deeply (1 John 4:19).
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