Harry Whitt on the Journey with Jesus
Recently as part of my continual reading through the Bible, I once again “stumbled” upon a scripture the Holy Spirit used to grab my attention. It was in Exodus 36:2-7 where Moses instructed the people to bring an offering of materials for the construction of the Tabernacle. They were to bring items of gold, silver, bronze, jewels, linen, thread of blue, purple, and scarlet, acacia wood, and other items.
There is an identity problem in our world that has led to great confusion. People are confused, not knowing who they are. They are searching for an identity, for a rock to stand on in a flooded stream. Some have went on journeys for the sole reason of “finding themselves” as if they were somewhere else. There are way too many poor, lost, wandering souls who are alienated from God’s original design and created identity.
Identity in the Crucifixion and the Resurrection of Jesus.
Jesus, first identified with us. Man could not spiritually redeem himself by reformation or by following the rules. Mankind is innately a sinner in great need of a redeemer. The Redeemer had to come in the same form as our first-ancestor-father Adam. God provided the only sufficient sacrifice in the Redeemer—His Only Eternal Son.
When I look back at the younger me, I am horrified at my lack of diligence. I am not the poster boy for it now, but I have improved some over the years. My wife has been a great example for me, when she sets her mind to accomplish something, she gets it done.
This time of the year, some folks make New Year’s resolutions that often fall flat by February. (Oh well, I’ll finish this post later… Second thought, I better just do it!) I am not one to set New Year’s resolutions. I just need to do the simple, spiritual things with diligence.
The world lay in the sway of darkness, sin, and death. Man’s journey from the Garden was marked by a trail of death and tears with each tomb a reminder of every man’s fate. Death reigned in the world by a cruel master, Satan, whose very name meant “Adversary”. The Hebrew prophets of old had prophesied approximately seven centuries before of a coming Messiah who would save and deliver.
During this season we celebrate the birth of Jesus. I seriously doubt Jesus was actually born in the time we call December but that’s a rabbit trail I am not interested in going down. The big question is, “What’s the big deal about Jesus’ birth?
I called an ole friend who had been sick; immediately upon his answering, I asked him, “How are you doing?” He replied, “I’m above ground and limber!” meaning of course, he was still alive. There was thankfulness in his voice because whatever lingering pains he may have had, he was nonetheless glad to be alive. I liked his reply and have borrowed it.
A creed is a capsule of truth somewhat like a capsule of medicine; one is filled with a chemical formula that will make one physically healthy and the other is filled with truth that will make one spiritually healthy. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines creed as “a brief authoritative formula of religious belief”. What do you believe?
Today is Columbus Day. Christopher Columbus, certainly, was not a perfect man but he was a tough ole bugger. He endured a lot of hardships as an explorer and died at the age of 54. Today he has a lot of critics and his faults are easily found in history. Whatever opinion you hold good or bad, he was one of many who changed the world. I admire his courage, his feats of exploration, his seamanship, and his grit.
Christians are sometimes criticized for claiming our religion is exclusive when we are adamant that Jesus Christ is the only avenue to eternal life. That is why I am evangelistic about my faith in Christ; it is not that I take pleasure in someone being excluded but rather I have strongly held beliefs about Jesus Christ. The invitation to follow Jesus is inclusive, “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13 NKJV).
