All Things: Pale In Comparison To Jesus
“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the One Who is, Who always was, and Who is still to come—the Almighty One.”
Revelation 1:8 (NLT)
For us to remember that all things pale in comparison to Christ is CRUCIAL!
Our sermons, service, and sacrifices (if good) are simply reflections of Him.
Our beauty, wealth, strength, and bright intellects are gifts from the Lord to uplift others.
Our accomplishments or courageous acts are enabled by God for HIS glory.
Star-studded pastors and Christian authors best not rise above the studs of Christ’s Cross (or they may face a painful comeuppance).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ, let’s embrace these crucial reminders:
The Light of Jesus. The ‘Sun of righteousness’ (Malachi 4:2), the ‘Light of the world’ (John 8:12,), ‘The bright Morning Star’ (Revelation 22:16), with a shining Face and ‘Eyes like flames of fire’ (Revelation 19:12), who shares His radiance, can’t be upstaged. If we try, we’ll fail.
The Life of Jesus. He was a tradesman with modest parents, from a ‘nowhere’ town, with humble friends. The King of kings lived in simplicity, as an Example to His followers. So let’s redefine ‘comfort’ and ‘success’. Materialism is a tie that binds. Let’s minimize it.
The Words of Jesus. 'He who has My Commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him' (John 14:21). To represent Christ, we must learn His Lines.*
The Pain of Jesus. 'He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him' (Isaiah 53:5). Moving forward in His Great Commission, pushing through pain and the troubles we face, is our commission.**
The Win of Jesus. 'Having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the Cross' (Colossians 2:15). Jesus won the ultimate victory. His great desire is to share it with us! 'Thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere' (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Bottom line: Reflecting Christ is where brilliance is found.
All Things: Pale In Comparison To Jesus (Part 13)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.
* 'If you continue in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free' (John 8:31-32).
** 'So we learn this lesson, the Captain Who comes to make the soldiers like Himself can only accomplish His purpose by becoming like the soldiers. The necessity for our Lord's sufferings is mainly based in the text here upon the simple principle that He Who is to deliver men must be a Man. The Leader must have no exemption from the hardships of the company' (MacLaren's Expositions, Bible Commentary on Hebrews 2:10): http://biblehub.com/commentaries/hebrews/2-10.htm
** 'I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service' (Romans 12:1).
** Suffering helps perfect us: 'Diamonds are hard pressed. Silver shines from heat. Pearls start as irritation. Babies come through pain. Muscles build in stress. Heroes emerge from disaster. Inventors endure public ridicule. Fame waits beyond failure. Life rises from death' (Previous AMTC devotion).