Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.
2 Corinthians 9:15 (NIV)
Series: His Name is Jesus
Do you have a person in your circle of family or friends who always seems to pick out the perfect gift? No matter the occasion, they somehow come up with an idea that surprises and blesses you. You might be so overwhelmed by receiving it you find yourself speechless.
What is it about receiving such a gift that makes it so special? It could be that the gift giver is expressing their love for you, reminding you how important you are to them. Maybe you wonder if you deserve to receive something of such beauty and value.
Perhaps the present is useful to you, helping you in your day-to-day life, or you are so humbled and thankful for the great sacrifice that was made in order for you to receive it.
We define the word “gift” as something voluntarily transferred from one person to another without compensation. A gift is free! You don’t have to do anything to earn or deserve it. Scripture is full of passages that tell us about the most amazing gift we can ever receive: Jesus is called The Gift of God.
In the Gospel of Matthew 1:21-23 (ESV) he recounts the scene when an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph, Mary’s betrothed, in a dream. The angel confirms the birth of Jesus, prophesied in Isaiah 9:6-7.
She will bear a son, and she will call His name Jesus for He will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us).”
Since the fall of mankind, the sin of Adam and Eve in the garden, we have lived in a broken world. Sin separates us from a Holy God. Romans 3:23 tells us all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. But, Praise God, He loved us so much that He made a way for us to be redeemed from our sin. Old Testament prophecies promised a King who would come to save the world. John 3:16 (ESV) shows us the love for the world He created.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Have you ever received a gift you thought you didn’t deserve? It’s easy to look back at things we’ve said and done and feel we are not entitled to receive something we haven’t earned. In scripture, we learn that not one of us is worthy or free from sin, yet Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that God shows the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Salvation is a gift of God, not works. There is nothing we can do—or not do—to earn it. The sacrifice of Jesus covers all our sins: past, present, and future.
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:17 (ESV)
The Gift of God, Jesus, not only changes our eternal destination, but He has a profound effect on our everyday lives. As we grow in our faith, the Lord changes us to become less like ourselves and more like Him. He uses our God-given talents and skills to serve Him and others for our good and His Glory.
Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) this ongoing spiritual transformation:
“So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.”
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us. He gives us guidance, comfort, peace, protection, and help. We are never alone.
As we reflect on the magnitude of Jesus, we can’t help but be humbled and grateful. Jesus came not only to live on this earth, but to die in our place to pay the price for our sins so that we could be reconciled to the Father.
Paul shares these truths with us:
“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (ESV)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (ESV)
Just as we must accept and open a physical gift we are given to experience everything it offers, we must accept God’s indescribable gift to us. Romans 10:13 tells us that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Have you asked Jesus to come into your heart and be your Lord and Savior? Have you put your trust in Him? He is the most precious Gift you will ever receive, and this Gift of God is waiting to be opened by YOU!
Holding Fast to Hope,
Linda
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 9:15, 3:18; Matthew 1:21-23; John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8, 6:23, 10:13; Isaiah 9:6-7