December 7, 2015
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NAS
He was born with a pedigree of power and position. Who can imagine an infant having all of the government upon his shoulders. HE was everything you wanted from a victorious ruler king. Except Jesus didn’t force his titles on anyone. His power was used to conquer disease and pronounce forgiveness and freedom. He served .. and never asked to be served. What kind of power did He possess to choose to serve others instead of rule over them? It would have been completely acceptable if He ruled over lesser men and women. After all, power is expected to rule from on high. Instead, Jesus touched lepers, gave sight, helped a paralyzed man to walk, healed a nerve damaged hand, forgave a woman caught in her sin, and washed his disciples feet. He didn’t claim any position of power and prestige. He never rose in power .. but He was lifted up as a criminal. HIs rule extended over your life and His aim is to bring Son-soaked wholeness upon every aspect of who you are. There are “no limits” to what Jesus will do and is doing in your life. How often do we make Him less than He is? He came to win you .. to free up your life so you could live all out for God. And that looks like you taking the deliberate step toward someone else in need of the Holy Spirit’s power & presence. No matter how great the title, Jesus chose to serve you with His life. His path is the same path for you: to serve others with the ever pursuing love of Christ. There are no limits to how far Jesus will go to claim your life. The cross is His gift. Accept it .. believe it .. and walk in it. Your life won’t be the same. It only takes a moment to turn your heart inside out to be loved and cared for by Jesus.
“His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He’ll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going with fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do this.” Isaiah 9:7 Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to Christ-Followers. (kchesterp1@gmail.com)