Jan 2, 2017 – Matthew 1
"...and they will
call him Immanuel"-which means, "God with us." Matt 1:23
Jesus
is not a distant deity but a personal present God---if we invite Him into our
lives.
Jesus is not a distant deity but a personal present
God. How different from every other god
studied and worshipped around the world.
Jesus is the essence of God that came in human form. Out of love, Jesus chose to vacate His throne
in heaven and subject Himself to the world He created. Instead of being in charge, He came to
demonstrate the power of God and the plan of God by walking with us. Jesus is amazing because of the choice to be
Immanuel.
If you grew up in a family (or have a family) with multiple
children, you know the sound of kids claiming authority and privilege in every
car ride when one child would yell “Shotgun!”.
Moving to the front was considered a step up from the back seat. But imagine if you were the driver. Moving to shotgun would not only be a
downgrade, but would leave the driving up to people who are less capable, or
possibly quite dangerous.
When Jesus came in the form of a baby, he vacated the
driver’s seat and moved to shotgun, CHOOSING to come help us learn how to drive
our lives properly. It was a complete
downgrade in His position, yet one of the greatest demonstrations of love we
will ever see. He chose to be With us,
not just driving our lives, but coaching us to drive the way He intended. Amazing!
But there is a catch.
Jesus is ready to be with us, but won’t intrude. He only comes near those who invite Him into
our lives. Jesus is ready to walk daily
with us, but won’t ride shotgun. He
comes along when permitted to drive.
As you begin your navigation through the New Testament this
year, stop driving alone, and stop telling God how to drive. Listen to the instructions of Jesus. Watch how He taught the disciples and people
around Him how to drive their life.
Learn and embrace His words as if they were lifesaving protection. Don’t just read, trust & obey everything
He says. You might just discover that
Jesus knows what He is doing, and is right there with you ready to instruct you
from the Shotgun seat.
Invite Jesus into your life this year, and you will discover
Immanuel is right there with you.
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