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God's Words For US

    by Cecelia Lester

Jesus Thoughts
Date Posted: July 15, 2022

The Alpha and the Omega: The First and the Last

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word

was with God, and the Word was God.”

John 1:1 (NIV)

“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God,

who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.’”

Revelation 1:8 (NIV)

“‘Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me,

and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last.’”

Revelation 22:12-13 (NIV)

The Apostle John begins his account of Jesus’ life by stating Jesus Christ was with God. Then John further says, “The Word was God.” I find this statement very humbling.

The thought of God, the creator of the universe shedding His glory, donning rags and coming to earth as a baby humbles us all. And then, to think His message was for the poor people of Judea gives us pause.

The Biblical writers tell us we all will go before God to be judged when we die. These scribes also write of Jesus sitting at God’s right hand. Because of this Jesus--being God-- plays a part in our judgment. But He has already paid the price for our sins.

Picture this, if you will: As each believer comes before God, Jesus will plead his or her case.

“But I died for those sins.”

“However, I shed my blood for her.”

“I love him; I went to the cross for him.”

Jesus: there with God in the beginning, there with God in the end. I find this thought humbling no matter how often I think on it. May God forgive me if I forget this message.

Messiah: Anointed One

“The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah’ (called Christ)

is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.’

Then Jesus declared, ‘I who speak to you am he.”

John 4:25:26 (NIV)

When Jesus came to earth, God chose Him to represent the Father to the people of Israel. Part of Jesus’ title includes the word Christ a Greek word meaning ‘anointed one’. The Hebrew word for this term is Messiah.

William Barclay tells us, “In the ancient world, as today in (his) country, kings were anointed at their coronation.”* In some denominations, people are anointed for healing, being set aside for service, or for consecration. When we receive the anointing oils, we experience a very spiritual event.

God chose His Son-Jesus-to come to earth to save us from our sin. The Son’s task was so special-to be the Father’s ambassador-that God most likely anointed Jesus before sending Him down to walk with us.

_____________________________________

* William Barclay, Daily Study Bible Revised

John Vol. I, pp. 88,89

Jesus, His Name

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him

the name Jesus, because he will save his

people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 (NIV)

The angel told Joseph not only the circumstances of what happened to Mary but also what to name this child. The angel’s message was from God. God Himself gave His Son the perfect name. Whenever we hear of an impending birth, we want to know what the parents will name the baby.

Each person’s name has a meaning. Jesus’ name carries a specific meaning. The angel told Joseph that this child ‘will save people from their sins.’

Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins. That was God’s purpose. He told stories illustrating people’s need to find peace, to love others, and to love God.

He works according to the Father’s plan even today.

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Biography Information:

Cecelia Lester has been serious about her writing for over two decades..

She composes Christian essays and posts them to her blog quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/

She has  served in a faith-based organization, Grace In Action  by writing two newsletters and searching for possible grants.

In July 2017, she published her first book, 'Times of Trouble Bring Rays of Joy.'

She and her husband of 54 years live in central Indiana. They have one grown son.

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