Do We Recognize Jesus?
Jesus was not just any teacher. Jesus came so the dark corners of our lives could be restored. Jesus came because without him we would not be whole. His life, death, and resurrection changed our destiny. Yet many of us still live in darkness.
Jesus arrives quietly, humbly, and in peace.
Do we recognize Jesus in the middle of our Christmas celebrations?
Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion.
Sing aloud, Daughter Jerusalem.
Look, your king will come to you.
He is righteous and victorious.
He is humble and riding on an ass,
on a colt, the offspring of a donkey.
(Zechariah 9: 9, CEB, emphasis added)
Traditionally, entering the city on a donkey is seen as arriving in peace rather than as a king arriving on a warhorse. Jesus came in peace. He was a humble King who came on a colt. The world is used to warhorses and arrogant egos. We tend to pass by quiet and lowly things. That happened to many 2000 years ago. And that happens today.
Jesus arrives quietly, humbly, and in peace.
Do we recognize Jesus in the middle of our Christmas celebrations?
He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
and the warhorse from Jerusalem.
The bow used in battle will be cut off;
he will speak peace to the nations.
His rule will stretch from sea to sea,
and from the river
to the ends of the earth.
Moreover, by the blood of your covenant,
I will release your prisoners
from the waterless pit.
Return to the stronghold,
prisoners of hope.
(Zechariah 9: 1o-12, CEB, emphasis added)
Jesus did not come to impress the strong but strengthen prisoners. Jesus came to free the captive. What does held you captive today? Bitterness, fear, doubt, greed, worries, sin, selfishness? That’s why you need Jesus. That’s why Jesus came.
To set you free.
To make you whole.
To bring you hope and future.
Jesus arrives quietly, humbly, and in peace.
Do we recognize Jesus in the middle of our Christmas celebrations?
Gracious God,
Thank you for coming for us.
We need you!
We need to be set free!
Come, Lord Jesus!
Thank you for coming in peace.
Help us to seize the real things.
Enable us to recognize you.
Come, Lord Jesus!
Bless us with your peace.
Bless us with your grace.
Bless us with your presence.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Q4U: Do you look for Jesus? How do you recognize him?
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you take time to welcome Jesus into your life!
Giving thanks today for
#36 God the Healer
#37 recovery of our son
#38 Jesus coming for us
#39 hope in Jesus
#40 freedom in Christ
#41 the gift of prayer
#42 God’s guidance
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The second WINNER of the Common English Bible softcover edition is Sara Bernstein!
Do you want to win a copy of the Common English Bible softcover edition? Just leave a comment on any blog post this week (or any week during the blog tour). The winner will be announced again on Monday!
All these CEB give aways are possible because I am participating in the Common English Bible Blog tour. During the next two months I will mostly be using the Common English Bible (CEB) on my blog posts. Let’s check out this fresh new Bible translation!
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Image “Entry into Jerusalem by Giotto di Bondone” courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. Linking up with Sharing His Beauty &
11 thoughts on “Do We Recognize Jesus?”
Thank you so much for all you do here, I so look forward to seeing what you have for the day, and share the quotes often. I look for Christ in everything, don’t always succeed in finding Him, but I know He’s there. I’m so thankful He is.
Thank you, Leslie, for your encouraging comment! It is wonderful to know that even though we sometimes fail, God is there no matter of what! Abundant blessings to you, sis!
Amen sister! Love this post! The danger of with all this beautiful Baby Jesus focus ONLY is that the REAL Jesus is getting lost…and the REAL Jesus is WHO He is NOW!! The Birth was a one time event, He is a King forever – the King of Kings and too many of our brothers and sisters in the church lose track of His Holiness, His Righteousness, His Perfection, His Justice while seeking only His Blessings!
Thanks for writing this…you should repost this in a couple weeks closer to Christmas and I would like to post this on my own blog sometime, with your permission…and a link back to this site!! Blessings, Mari! 🙂
Thank you kindly, Bernie! Jesus really is the King of Kings!
Of course, you may post this on your blog. Just mention my name and link back to this site! Thank you very much!
Advent Blessings to you and yours!
Bless your heart of gold, Mari! Of course I will say who wrote it and link back to your website!!! Amen! This is such a wonderful writing and praise to our God!!! I will repost in the morning and inform you! May the good Lord bless and keep you this day that He has made!!!
Brother Bernie
Praise God indeed! All the glory to God! Thank you, dear brother in Christ! May God continue to bless and keep you!
A4U – I look for Jesus every day…and the wonderful thing is, I see Him all around me! One time back when I was a chaperon on a youth retreat, we stopped at a McDonalds to eat. Before going in, the pastor reminded the kids to behave. He said, “You may be the only Jesus these people ever see.” Those words have stuck with me. It is important to be a good witness for you never know who is watching. People so want to see Jesus — let’s show Him to others through our actions and love!
Thank you, Joan! Yes, when our spiritual eyes are open we start to see Jesus everywhere! And, yes, we really can be the only Jesus people ever see. May God shine through us! Blessings to you, sis!
I am reminded of an old Hymn, “Let the Beauty of Jesus be seen in me.” I see Jesus in others, and my prayer is that they also will see Him in me.
Thank you for your comment, Hazel! I think you’re shining brightly for Him! Abundant blessings!