"There's a new Jesus," I told my husband today. "The Promise," a popular Branson, MO, Christian musicale, after a brief interlude, has returned to the stage, and the former, Jesus-in-town actor has been replaced by a new look-like Jesus actor. "Mommy, there's Jesus!" the kids exclaim as he walks the streets of Branson, suddenly aware he must also attempt to act like Jesus all day long--the fast foods, the barbeque cafe, the stores, wherever--'cause the kids are watching!
Adults watched it too! It's The Da Vinci Code," a Dan Brown best-selling novel and movie everyone was talking about some months ago--in the the church, the entertainment world, the media--and your local library. You couldn't miss Him--He was everywhere!
As Dan Brown, the writer, so ably presented the "man-made, new Jesus" in his so-called "facts of history" and "fiction of fame,"I present MY Jesus, the One who is "new every morning and there every night" - "the Truth, the Life and the Way" of Scripture I've come to love and embrace. He's the ever-living, ever-seeking Son of God Who was, Who is, and Who shall be Lord and Master to millions like me, called by His Name and won by His love. He's the Jesus of the Bible, God's Word; He's my Savior and Lord--and "the same yesterday, today and forever."
He's the God Who Was...
Jesus Christ, God's Son, was there "in the beginning." He flung the stars into place, placed the planets in orbit, the sun and moon into space. He made the earth and everything in it--the trees and the tigers, the ants and the plants, the mice--and me! What wonder, what grace!
He was there with Noah when the heavens rained; He was there with Daniel when the lions roared, with David when the giant fell, with Mary when the angel appeared and with His disciples when He died for us all. He was Healer, Teacher, Master and Lord to those who sought Him; He was love, joy and peace to each person who received Him; He was "the Word made flesh to dwell among us." He embodied truth, love, justice and light; He was the Resurrection and the Life to our world...He was, He is, and He ever shall be.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men (John 1:1-4 KJV)."
He's the God Who Is...!
Jesus Christ, God's Son, is here "in the now," at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for me.
When I need Him, when I want to know Him, when I long to worship Him, He is there. He is ever-present in my distress, ever-comforting when I'm discouraged, distressed, distraught and in disarray. His Word instructs me, encourages me and heals me. He's my Savior and Lord; He's the very essence of my being. He is Resurrection and Life to my world...He was, He is, and He ever shall be King and Lord of my life!
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1 KJV)."
He's the God Who Shall Ever Be....
Jesus Christ, God's Son, will be there "in my tomorrows," for all my days in time and eternity to come. He will be there to guide me, to show me His perfect way and will, to walk through my valleys and to bring me to life eternal. He is the all-conquering, ever-victorious, ever living Lord of eternity. Someday every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that He is Lord to the glory of God. I plan, by God's grace, to be there, for He shall ever reign as my Resurrection and Life...He was, He, is, and He ever shall be King and Lord of my Life.
"The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works (Psalm 104:31)."
In the coming days and years, the world will decode and debate The Da Vinci Code," as it refutes and refuses, or agrees and abides by the claims of the "Code." I choose to agree and abide by the claims of the Living Word of God. Why? Because He was, He is and He shall forever be my Lord and my God.
So there's a "new Jesus?" Debate if you wish (see "Decode 'n Debate--The New Jesus for many interesting links)--but then move on to discover the Jesus I know. He needs no defense, but if you are seeking, if you are confused and uncertain, if you want to know the truth of God's Word, I dare you to explore the Da Vinci-related links and find the REAL Jesus who is the same, yesterday, today and forever.
"Lord, I don't want to merely know about You; I want to know You. I ask you to open my eyes of understanding that I might see the truth of Your Word. I want to believe; I want to be sure of my faith and standing with You. I accept You as my Lord and Savior this day, In Jesus' Name, Amen."
Copyright 2007 by Peggie C. Bohanon. All rights reserved.
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