Introduction to Post 3
As we consider how God shapes our lives through our broken dreams, let’s take a moment to consider the greatest gift God gives! The apostle John opens his Gospel of John in verses four and five with:
4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind. 5 And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not grasp it.
God sent His Only Son to proclaim His Kingdom, redeem our lost souls, and conqueror sin and death forever. Jesus’ birth was a divine invasion! God sent His Son on a mission of conquest and redemption. Got questions lists four reasons why God sent Jesus with supporting verses:
https://www.gotquestions.org/why-God-sent-Jesus.html
Jesus is the Gift of Light! The “darkness” of verse five refers to the evil, worldly system that Jesus defeats through His death and resurrection. Quick read on this:
https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/john-1-5
As we consider Christ’s coming, how does this apply to our lives in relation to our dreams and brokenness? How does Christ transform us?
Point 1: Jesus The Light of Life Makes Us Right
We know from personal experience (just read the news) that our world isn’t what it should be! Some look to political, economic, and even social remedies for our nations’ numerous problems. Governments and governing authorities are established by God as part of His general grace Romans 13:1. However, government laws, economic systems, and a better society can’t remove the sin problem that underlies all of our brokenness! The real issue is the sin that plagues our hearts and minds. We need a Redeemer!
When we see unfairness and injustice in life, we need to remember that:
1.Jesus experienced the most unfair treatment possible: His own people and the Romans brutally executed Him,
2. and Jesus’ own disciples betrayed and abandoned Him.
3. Jesus carried the enormous weight of all the collective sins of humanity on the cross. In short, Jesus suffered so that God would forgive and renew us. He restores those who trust in Him to a proper relationship with God the Father. Jesus made all things anew!
What does this mean for us? First and foremost, it means that Jesus saves us when we trust and depend on Him for righteousness and new life. Second, Jesus understands our struggles. Hebrews 4:15 reveals Jesus as our High Priest who can “sympathize with our weaknesses” as He was “tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:16 commands us to “draw near with confidence the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Third, we can rest in God’s grace knowing that in love He sent His Son to redeem the world (John 3:16). God knows the true depth of our despair and need for redemption! He took effective action! He doesn’t leave us lost in darkness! Yet, we must recognize then confess our sinful ways and repent while trusting Him to make us anew!
We need to live our lives as God’s people, sharing His truth with others, and seeking to serve those in need around us. To be changed by God involves a desire for Him to work through our lives for His redemptive purpose(s) for the lost around us!
Point 2: Jesus is the Answer!
Several years ago, I worked on third shift. During the long winter months, after being in the dark for hours, it was amazing to see the sun rise each morning. The sunrise served as a reminder that the darkness would eventually end. The holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Years is a difficult time for people who have lost significant others. Each holiday can be a painful reminder of who isn’t any longer present.
We need to be sensitive of this reality for our friends, neighbors, and others we encounter in our lives. The pandemic, tornadoes, and other tragedies have affected many this year. Others are dealing with job/career, relationship losses, and other uncertainties in life.
As I have written in previous blogs, grief and loss with shattered dreams are part of our faith journey. Jesus is the answer! I hope that as you read and meditate on God’s Word that you will ask questions and seek God’s truth in His Son Jesus. And when God enlightens you encourage others! The best truths are those that we live and share with others!
Point 3: Jesus is New Life and Truth
Have you ever wondered what Jesus means when He says: “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” John 8:32? Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” John 14:6. Jesus is teaching about His role in giving us freedom. We don’t have to be defined and held captive by our grief, broken dreams, and failed hopes! This author sums up what it means to be transformed by truth in a beautifully concise manner:
https://activechristianity.org/what-did-jesus-mean-when-he-said-that-he-was-the-truth
To know and trust Jesus is to be changed by Him! Jesus offers new life, hope, and dreams that are greater than our “lesser” desires (blog 1 of this series). The world and its desires entrap us into a cycle of sin, despair, and increasing darkness. Jesus provides true and abundant life. For a good explanation of abundant life:
https://www.gotquestions.org/abundant-life.html
As we daily walk with Christ, we realize that the materialistic world system can’t give us meaning or contentment. As children who received toys for Christmas, we should remember the lesson that no matter how great or new the toy, the excitement eventually ends.
The excitement never ends with Christ! He will encourage and challenge you as you seek Him first above all else! May Christ’s presence enlighten your steps on your journey of faith!
Lee Stanfill
Words of Grace, Truth, and Hope 