Subscription Lists
Thoughts of a saint and slave
by Sam Isaacson
Well happy new year everybody! I know we're firmly in 2009 now but I have not had the chance to welcome in the new year here yet - and what better way to kick off a new year than recognising perhaps the most extraordinary truth of the Christian faith? We're back in John 1, verse 49: 'Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”'
This is the wonderful truth: God has a Son.
Sometimes I think we get so caught up in saying similar words every Sunday morning that we actually miss some staggering claims that the Bible makes. One of the early creeds still used in the church today states that Jesus is 'eternally begotten of the Father'. That word begotten is important in contrast to our own sonship because, as Christians, we are all adopted sons of God - Jesus however is God's 'only [begotten] Son' (John 3:16). We must recognise two aspects of this at the outset of this year:
Jesus' relationship
God the Father has an actual real Son, and his name is Jesus. Let us just dwell on that truth - God the Father is the literal father of Jesus Christ, and Jesus is His literal Son. Apart from being simply incredible this truth is evidence that the relationship that Jesus has with the Father is unique and wonderfully intimate. The relationships within the Trinity are not just friendships, they are as loving as the relationships between that close, perfect family.
Us
So what does this mean for us? Here's the consequence: Jesus died as our substitute on the cross; we were destined for eternal punishment but Jesus bore all that and now we have gained his righteousness in what Martin Luther calls 'The Great Exchange' - see 2 Corinthians 5:21. This means, therefore, that our relationship with God is not dependent upon us, but is dependent upon Jesus' standing with the Father as His only Son. That love and devotion that God the Father has for Jesus is the same love and devotion that we receive as we are adopted into His family. His grace, mercy, forgiveness, peace and righteousness all become ours as we simply wait in humility, as a son receives from his father.
Please Lord, let us never think that we receive anything from You as a result of our own work but that all things come from You out of Your grace to us, Your children. Thank You God for Your generosity in adopting us into Your family - we love You! Amen.
Rate it:
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Thoughts of a saint and slave" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.