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Every human being except one participates in two seemingly contradictory truths. The first is the value that God places on each of us. Each of us is made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26). Each of us is made just a little lower than the angels (Heb. 2:6). God endows each of us with great worth. God loves us so much that he gave Jesus to die for us (John 3:16). Yet every one of us (except one) senses the other truth as well. Bro. Earl West used to tell his church history classes that there have been many popular preachers in the church, but only a few names are remembered. Most names of even very popular preachers are forgotten after a generation to all except those who really study church history. There have always been others to take their place. Partly he was teaching us not to be too concerned about making a name for ourselves. He was also teaching us that no one of us is indispensable. There will always be someone to fill our shoes. This should not rob us of self-esteem, but should strip us of self-importance and pride. Solomon spoke of this truth in Ecclesiastes (1:3-4, 11). Mordecai got this truth across to Esther (4:13-14). God has clothed us with dignity and honor, and he will use us for his glory, but none of us is indispensable. Only one man has been indispensable. He is Jesus of Nazareth. No one besides him could have done what he did. God in his justice must punish sin. God in his love wants to bring sinful, stubborn, rebellious man back to himself. We in our sin need salvation, deliverance from sin and from God’s just punishment. We need help making our way through life. We need the knowledge of God. Only Jesus could have and did bring us these things. By his death on the cross and resurrection he took our punishment and made salvation and reconciliation with God possible for us. By his life he brought us in word and in deed the knowledge of God and his will by which we can receive God’s gift of salvation and make our way through life. Since Jesus came to earth and went back to heaven, millions have received God’s gift of salvation in him. They found nothing on earth worth having compared to what they have in Jesus now and in the hope of eternity. God’s gift in Jesus can be yours if you will believe in him and follow him the rest of your life. It begins with faith, repentance, and baptism. We pray that you will decide for Jesus. We’re here to help you start and successfully finish that life. Tim Jorgensen |