{*Contd from THE PERSONALITY OF GOD Part 3 THE OX}
Today let us see the 4th Cardinal Attribute of God with the help of MAN as the symbol. This refers to the HUMANITY of GOD ; His LOVE, COMPASSION and KINDNESS.
The HOLY AND JUST Father Yahweh could never overlook the sin of man that separated us from HIM forever and yet His love for us was so intense and compelling that He made a way through His beloved Son Jesus Christ who left the Glory of Heaven to come down to earth, grow up and live as a man and finally at the age of 33 die a gruesome death for us to save us from eternal damnation. Jesus is the epitome of the Father’s love for us. Personally, I have always been fascinated by the amazing humanity of our Lord Jesus that helps us to draw close to Him. Let us see in detail this endearing quality that reveals to us the very Father Heart of God.
Jesus, the Son of God was 100% man; born of a woman, had real ancestors, grew up in a human family and had siblings. He learnt to walk, talk, read and work like any of us. Jesus had a real physical, flesh and blood body (John 1:14). He knew what it was like to be hungry (Matt. 4:2). He was familiar with every human feeling/ emotion known to any man. He was lonely (Mk 14.37), distressed (Mk 3.5), He was amazed (Mark 6:6), He was angry (Mathew 21:12) “Jesus went into the temple courtyard and threw out everyone who was buying and selling there. He overturned the moneychangers' tables and the chairs of those who sold pigeons.”, He was weary (John 4:6), upset (Luke 19:41,John 11:35,)disappointed (Mk 8.12), in sorrow & pain : Heb 5:7 “During the days of Jesus' life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” affectionate “Then He took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.” (Mk 9.36), Kind and Compassionate (Mk 14.6-8, John 11:33) , tempted (Heb 4:15). Acc to Hebrews 2:18 “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 5:2 “He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.”
One of my beloved moments in life of Jesus was His moment in the Garden of Gethsemane just before the Crucifixion. Jesus knew the pain that was coming and He wishes for human companionship, He asks His beloved disciples to pray with Him but they fall asleep and He is left alone at the most painful moment in His life.
One of my beloved moments in life of Jesus was His moment in the Garden of Gethsemane just before the Crucifixion. Jesus knew the pain that was coming and He wishes for human companionship, He asks His beloved disciples to pray with Him but they fall asleep and He is left alone at the most painful moment in His life.
Many times in our deepest grief and anguish we may wish that there will be someone to pray with us and though there may be loving people around who care, we may find ourselves alone. At that time I like to remember that since Jesus went through this pain, He understands the pain of loneliness and is able to sympathize and be compassionate with us. I believe that at such moments Jesus intercedes to the Father for us feeling our pain.
Rom 8:34: “Christ Jesus, who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” And so we are never alone.
Rom 8:34: “Christ Jesus, who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” And so we are never alone.
Another point to note is that Jesus was in such agony that he actually sweat drops of blood.This is a clear indicator of how severe his suffering was. The clinical term for this medical condition is “hematohidrosis.”Sweating blood is caused by a very intense emotional breakdown and when anxiety reaches its zenith. Finally He prays not my will, but your will be done" (Matt. 26:39). At the end of his life, suffering the excruciating pain of crucifixion, he cried out in a human way, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).
Another favorite moment of mine is in John 8 when the religious leaders bring before a woman who was living in sin and condemns her claiming Jesus approval to stone her to death. The blameless Jesus, the Holy Judge; the only one deserving the honor writes in the ground and then replies: “Let him without sin throw the first stone. And they leave one by one.” Jesus follows the Law but with love. He then asks the woman “where are they? Has no one condemned you? Neither do I, go and sin no more.” That is the loving compassion of my Lord and Master who even today looks at us and says to us every time we sin “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.”
Another favorite moment of mine is in John 8 when the religious leaders bring before a woman who was living in sin and condemns her claiming Jesus approval to stone her to death. The blameless Jesus, the Holy Judge; the only one deserving the honor writes in the ground and then replies: “Let him without sin throw the first stone. And they leave one by one.” Jesus follows the Law but with love. He then asks the woman “where are they? Has no one condemned you? Neither do I, go and sin no more.” That is the loving compassion of my Lord and Master who even today looks at us and says to us every time we sin “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.”
Hebrews 7:26 Such a high priest meets our need--one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.
Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
All other religions speak of man going in search and trying to please GOD, here We preach a loving GOD who leaves the glory of Heaven coming in search of Man. Such is the true greatness of our Awesome GOD! What have we done to deserve such a loving compassionate God? The answer is NOTHING; it is His divine favor and Mercy. That is what makes Him God and us man! The only thing that would make Him happy is that we accept His free gift of Salvation and enjoy this love for All Eternity! It is the best offer ever in the world. How can we ever refuse a love like this?
"God loves you so utterly and completely that he has given himself for you in Jesus Christ his beloved Son, and has thereby pledged his very being as God for your salvation. In Jesus Christ God has actualized His unconditional love for you in your human nature in such a once for all way, that he cannot go back upon it without undoing the Incarnation and the Cross and thereby denying himself. Jesus Christ died for you precisely because you are sinful and utterly unworthy of him, and has thereby already made you his own before and apart from your ever believing in him. He has bound you to himself by his love in a way that he will never let you go, for even if you refuse him and damn yourself in hell his love will never cease. Therefore, repent and believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior." ~T. F. Torrance, "The Mediation of Christ", 94
Click to enjoy these amazing& powerful Videos which show the humanity of GOD:
1) THIS MAN : http://youtu.be/1CFhCv30Spk
2) YOU RAISE ME UP : http://youtu.be/sza4rh1YzsM
3) LEAD ME TO THE CROSS: http://youtu.be/CXcbGxvgyR4
Next in this series: PERSONALITY OF GOD PART 5: THE EAGLE
Have a blessed week.
Take care, God bless,
Sparky Laurie