An Important Mission

The gift was unexpected. It wasn't a special occasion. My daughter handed me the bag, with the knowledge that I'd be delighted. As I lifted the adorable sock monkey out of the bag, I was immediately transported to my childhood.

We took our playing seriously. Stuffed animals came alive with a little imagination. Our favorite animals happened to be monkeys, and my brother and I built an entire imaginary world around these lovable, stuffed friends.

We spent hours coming up with elaborate schemes and plots that involved our furry monkeys. In our minds, they were witty sleuths able to catch the most sinister of villains. They jetted around the countryside on missions to wipe out evil. They were a force for good, and justice always prevailed.

Although I may not be a witty sleuth, it's exciting to think that I've been commissioned as an ambassador with an important mission. An official representative of Christ Himself, sent to share His message with others. The Apostle Paul spells out this special mission, "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" (2 Cor. 5:18-21; KJV).

The ministry of reconciliation. According to my dictionary, to reconcile, means to re-establish friendship between, to settle or resolve, as a dispute. My special mission, then, is to share with others the fact that God sent Jesus Christ to the earth to pay every man's sin debt, and because of His sacrifice, we can have a relationship with a holy God if we personally accept the payment Christ made.

What an important mission! A mission that wipes out evil and establishes a relationship between a holy God and sinful man. As I share this message, there will be those who eagerly accept it, and there will be those who reject it. Regardless of the response, I'm to be committed to sharing this word of reconciliation with others.

Do you desire to be a force for good, vanquishing evil in this world, and making an eternal impact? What an opportunity to carry out an all-important, life-changing mission. Choose to be a productive ambassador for Christ, sharing the ministry of reconciliation with others!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving me an important mission. Help me to be faithful to share the gospel with those You bring across my path. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Right Worship

Not much is known about them. But each year they grace the front of Christmas cards. Were there three men or more? It isn't clear. Where were they from? Once again, no specific information is given. One thing IS known, however, they were wise. The second chapter of Matthew begins with these words, "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem," (Matthew 2:1; KJV).

Intelligence is a gift. These men were well aware that God had given them something special - and they were using it to seek Him. A brilliant star had appeared in the heavens, and somehow they knew that it led to the long-awaited Messiah. They travelled countless miles, ending up in Jerusalem, in the audience of Herod the king.

Herod was unaware of the birth of this 'King of the Jews,' the wise men referenced. He called the chief priests and scribes, demanding where Christ was to be born. Words from the scroll of Micah were consulted, "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting," (Micah 5:2).

The wise men left Herod, heading in the direction of Bethlehem. As they gazed up at the night sky, their hearts nearly skipped a beat. There it was - the star they had seen in the east. And it led them directly to the object of their search - Jesus.

The search had ended. Celebration followed. These men had trusted God to lead them to Christ, and they were not disappointed. As they were invited into the home of Mary and Joseph, they "...fell down, and worshipped him (Jesus): and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh," (Matthew 2:11).

In their wisdom, these men knew that Jesus was worthy of the finest gifts they had to offer. They came prepared to worship. From our introduction to these men on the pages of scripture, to the last words we read of them, they are faithful to use the gift God gave them to glorify Him.

Although Herod had instructed them to return to him after they found Jesus, the Lord warned them to take a different route on their journey home. They obeyed without question.

What gift, talent, or ability has God given you? Are you using it selfishly or using it to pursue Him? How will you worship Him today with your gift?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the example of the wise men, who diligently sought Jesus. And when they found Him, worshipped wholeheartedly. Help me to use the gifts You've given me to worship and glorify You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Gift Inside

The house is decorated. The gifts have been purchased. The baking is done. The only thing that remains is wrapping the presents. A quick inventory of supplies, reveals a myriad of gift wrap and bags to choose from. Colorful bows will add the finishing touch to each present.

Christmas is only a few days away. Our family will pass out gifts, one at a time, and watch as the recipient opens each present. Candid photos will record enthusiastic responses and surprised expressions for us to enjoy throughout the year. As the wrapping paper is torn from each box, it's the gift inside that will be treasured.

Travel back in time with me to a little town called Bethlehem. The marketplace is thronged with merchants selling their wares. The sound of voices fills the air as salesmen strike deals with customers. Townspeople stand in line, waiting to buy food and drink. Every inn is filled to capacity - some weary travelers are turned away.

Unbeknownst to the people of Bethlehem, a precious gift is born that very night. "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn," (Luke 2:7; KJV). This baby is God's gift to mankind. The Savior, who willingly left His throne in heaven, veiled Himself in flesh to live a sinless life and shed His blood on the cross to pay our sin debt. In the words of the Apostle Paul, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift," (2 Corinthians 9:15)!

Gifts are supposed to be accepted and unwrapped by the recipient. The present that I leave unopened under my Christmas tree won't be of any use to me. The same is true regarding the gift of Jesus Christ. He was sent for your benefit. He "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross," (Philippians 2:7-8). His desire is to give each one of us eternal life: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord," (Romans 6:23).

How can such an amazing gift be unwrapped? He provides the answer, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life," (John 3:16). Believe in Him. Believe that you are a sinner. Believe that Jesus shed His blood and paid your sin debt on the cross of Calvary. Put your faith in Him, and receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ!

Have you left the most important gift unopened this season? Don't wait till Christmas. You can receive this gift today. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. And you'll spend an eternity rejoicing in heaven!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to be born as a babe in a manger all those years ago. I praise You that Jesus willingly went to the cross, shedding His blood in payment for my sins. Thank You for the gift of eternal life You give me when I believe in the finished work of Jesus. To God be the glory! Amen.