WHY JESUS CAME

“WHY JESUS SAID HE CAME”

LUKE 4:18 The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.”

“Once, a young sculptor fell deeply in love with the woman of his dreams. They were made for each other, having similar interests, sharing values, and agreeing on the priorities of life. A wedding took place, and the marriage was as fresh and exciting as the courtship.

However, tragedy struck when it was found that she had an incurable disease. After his wife’s death, the artist desired to dedicate a work of art to her memory. He created a magnificent sculpture that was chosen to adorn a new plaza in the middle of town. The work was instantly popular, so much so that the young artist’s work was all at once in great demand.

A year later several more of the young man’s works were added. He became so well known that art lovers would travel from throughout the region to view his work. Eventually, the plaza area was so cluttered with art pieces that some of them had to be removed. A friend asked what the piece of work in the center of the plaza was intended for, since it was the least popular of all the sculptures. The young artist agreed that it looked out of place and ordered it removed. What was once the centerpiece of his work and his driving force, had become unimportant and obsolete. So it was replaced.

Notice that the driving force did not suddenly become unimportant, but slowly became obsolete. Thanks to author Max Lucado we have a friendly reminder of just what can happen to Christmas.

Is the message that Jesus gave to the poor still relevant? It is if you know the definition of poor. How poor are you?

·You’re poor if you run out of answers. Jonah did.

·You’re poor if you run out of patience. Moses did.

·You’re poor if you run out of strength. Paul did.

·You’re poor if you run out of friends. John the Revelator did.

·You’re poor if you run out of safety. Joseph did.

·You’re poor if you run out of support. Joshua did.

·You’re poor if you run out of discipline. David did.

·You’re poor if you run out of money. Nehemiah did.

·You’re poor if you run out of food. Elijah did.

·You’re poor if you run out of wisdom. Job did.

·You’re poor if you run out of health. Namaan did.

·You’re poor if you run out of protection. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did.

·You’re poor if you run out of God’s hope. The prodigal did.

·You’re poor if you run out of determination. Paul did.

·You’re poor if you run out of man’s approval. Jesus did.

·You’re poor if you run out of morality. David did.

·You’re poor if you run out of perseverance. James did.

·You’re poor if you run out of love. A humiliated prostitute did.

·You’re poor if you run out of optimism. We all will.

Jude said, “Be merciful to those who doubt, snatch others from the fire and save them, to others show mercy mixed with fear.”

Gallup reports that in 1963, 65 % of all Americans believed the Bible was infallible; that number dropped to 37% in 1982. Why? Charles Colson believes it is because the prevailing attitudes of the culture have thoroughly infiltrated the ranks of faith and belief.

Though Christians say they hold fast to the truths of God’s word, they are succumbing to relativism and modern cynicism. It is no wonder really, that millions sit in the pew on Sunday and never bother to think about what they believe or why; thus they are easy prey for the trendy clichés that dismiss scripture.

The English word “gospel” is derived from two words---God which means: “good” and spell an old Saxon word meaning “a word or speech.” The word gospel means “a good message.” Has the “good news” that was once the centerpiece of your world become unimportant and obsolete? Has it caused you to become poor? If that is the case, Jesus has a good message. Call on him, his LIFE is not unimportant or obsolete.