Posts Tagged ‘ Staff ’

Advent 2022 – Day 24: John 3:13-15

No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

John 3:13-15, ESV

At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.

Jesus came to live amongst us, teaching the truths of God and proving them with miracles, signs, and wonders.

Even the religious elite could see it, but they could not understand without help.

And Jesus was that help to Nicodemus and others willing to listen, but we tend to be an obstinate lot.

Yet, God came to us, showing us how we are to be saved.

What does Jesus tell us about salvation?

He tells us that only Jesus has made the trip from heaven and back, that only those who believe in Him can ascend.

He tells us we must believe He is the only source of salvation, and it is in His death on the cross we find forgiveness and are saved.

God came to us as a man to save us by taking our punishment on Himself, and we must believe this to be saved.

Maybe people who lived in Old Testament times did not understand this in detail, but they knew where salvation was found: in God alone.

Christ has come and given us the Holy Spirit who leads us to Christ’s cross and forgiveness of sins and hope for eternal life.

May we seek the Lord who has saved us and shown us the path to eternal life.

VerseD: Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4, ESV

Things go wrong in this world. We can be comforted knowing God is in control and may even be using the events to make us more Christ-like.

VerseD: Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalms 23:4, NASB

We will face problems in this life. Sometimes they are inflicted on us by others, and sometimes they are a result of our sinful choices. In all, God is in control and uses them to discipline and lead us to His final, eternal comfort.