For the One

Why would someone leave splendor to immerse themselves in squalor? Why would they do it? What would be the motivation – the compelling force for Jesus to willingly wrap Himself in an “earth suit“? He allowed Himself to be placed in a feeding trough that was inside a stinky stable. Have you ever been in a barn? Not exactly a sanitary place to spend your first minutes as an infant. No hand sanitizers. No masks. No hot water.

Looking at the countless thousands, millions and even billions of souls who have come and gone, His choice may still be perplexing in some ways. To conquer the pervasive evil, or sin, as the Bible calls it, Jesus had to come and slice through it and provide a route to perfection. Himself. And He said, “Yes“.

I can almost get that. Almost.

It’s easier to believe His love for multitudes of souls. It’s more comfortable to envision He would come and do this for many. But what about that verse, leaving the 99 for the one? That brings it home, doesn’t it? It makes it personal.

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?” Luke 15:4 ESV

Why is it so much easier for me to believe for others, rather than myself? Yet, there it is – right in front of me. The irresistible, irrefutable Word of God. The personal hands of holiness reaching out to an individual – to me. It’s mind and heart blowing.

If you have your doubts this Christmas season, if the story of the angels rockin’ the night sky with their songs of glory and praise seems a little old-fashioned, or worse, humdrum, I encourage you to look in the mirror. What you will see is the ONE. The very person God came to give the greatest Christmas present of all – perfect life in Him.

Believe it. It’s true.

– RG