It was a dream come true, but you see, this love story ended a bit sad like that of Juliet and Romeo. Death would come into this story. The Giver asked one thing of those he loved most, and that was not to eat from one tree. All the rest were theirs. Shortly after the Giver gave them this perfect world, she met the snake. He persuaded her that the Giver didn't have her best interests at heart, so she should try the fruit from that one forbidden tree. She took a bite and shared with the man. That's when they knew everything was changed forever. They knew pain for the first time. They would see their son kill his brother out of jealousy. They would always be remembered as the first to turn away, to miss the mark, simply by not trusting. But still they clung to the promise the Giver made to them just before they left Paradise; a Savior would come, someone to rescue them and their children. A perfect Rescuer that passionately loved them to the point of dying for their safety.
Time passed and mankind fell apart. Brother murdered brother, daughters slept with their own fathers, wars, false gods, but most of all the Giver was forgotten. Instead of holding onto his promise, people took things into their own hands. It always ended with more hurt, tears and bloodshed.
Finally one day the Giver knew it was time. All that he had been waiting for would change. The players were ready. The scene was set. A sweet girl child would carry the God Man. She would birth him in a manger. The God Man, Jesus, would be loved and worshiped as a darling baby by shepherds and wise men; yet hunted by the wicked King. The family first started out in a foreign country but then settled in a small town with their kinsmen. Jesus grew into a carpenter, a working man.
One day he turned water into the finest wine at the request of his mother. They were at a most beautiful wedding. Everything had gone splendidly until late into the reception when the wine vats were found empty. So he gave the servers simple instructions, "Go fill the vats with water. Then take them to the head server to be tasted." It was simple really, a foreshadowing of what was needed on all of mankind's part; trust. They did just as he had said. The head waiter was amazed that they would save the best wine for last when it would not be noticed.
Trust me... A familiar whisper from the past, from the Giver. Trust Me.
And so it went, Jesus, the God Man did amazing things. Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, cast out demons, and raised the dead back into life. He, like the Giver in the beginning who made all creation for people to enjoy, was wooing them. Jesus courted mankind. He proved over and over His unending love for his favorite of all creation: humans.
So it came about that just as when he was born many loved Him, but many, those in power, hated Him. So the day came when he was put on trial. No sin could be found so they brought in false accusers to speak against Him. They beat and mocked Him. Finally bloodied and haggard, too weak to carry his own cross, they laid Him on the rough splintery wood. First taking one wrist, pounding a nail through and then the next wrist, followed by his feet. They taunted Him and waited for Him to die. A sinless death.
They thought these few nails were needed to hold him to that cross, but it was love. You see, He came to rescue us, to change our course. We were badly drowning in our sin, which simply means missing the mark. It means the Giver, God the creator of the heavens and the earth, wanted us to be His, to be in perfect relationship with Him. To know all that is good and right. But because of that one disobedience we were incapable of doing it on our own. So he gave us Jesus who unconditionally loved us to the point of death so that we might believe; trust Him.
The best part hasn't come yet. Many men have died, but Jesus he was different. When he took His last breath the earth shook and trembled and the clouds grew black. All was quiet and lost. Then three days later as some women were going to clean and wrap his body, instead of finding it, they found an angel in the empty tomb. Jesus was alive. He defeated death. Not only had he lived a life without one single sin, but he also defeated death. He was alive.
He is alive. He wants you my friend to complete the love story. He wants you to be wooed by the sacrifice He made so you and He can know each other. So you can know all that is right and all that is good. So you can know a life that is unending, abounding in joy.
Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore he waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who long for Him.
~ Isaiah 30:18
If you want this relationship it's yours for the taking. There are a few things you need to know:
1. All men have sinned. All of us miss the mark. We simply can't do it on our own; it's like expecting an infant to hold a job as a college graduate does. It's impossible. (Romans 3:21 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.)
2. Anyone who trusts and believes in Him will be saved from death. (John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.)
3. If you so choose to believe this then two things will happen. You will be given the Helper, known as the Holy Spirit and he will help you share the truth of Jesus with others. (Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses...)
I would love to talk more with you about this Love Story of our Salvation. Feel free to email me at psalm117ptg@gmail.com
*This story begins in Genesis and for this writing ends in the book of Acts.
** For more of my writings go to the top of this page for the Daily Posting tab.
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