"God has told us His secret reason for sending Christ, a plan He decided on in mercy long ago; and this was His purpose: that when the time is ripe He will gather us together from wherever we are - in heaven or on earth - to be with Him in Christ, forever" (Ephesians 1:9,10).
One day a distinguished scientist questioned Michael Faraday, chemist, electrician and philosopher.
"Have you conceived to yourself what will be your occupation in the next world?" he asked.
Hesitating a moment or two, Faraday replied, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things that God hath prepared for them that love Him." And then he added, in his own words, "I shall be with Christ, and that is enough."
Although nearly two thousand years have passed since He walked this earth, Jesus still stands as the ultimate expression of ethics and morality. Whatever one might think about Christians or the church, he will find no blemishes in the character of Jesus.
Perhaps the greatest testimony that can be given regarding the character of Jesus' teachings is that they are still changing men and nations throughout the world today. Now, as before, those who listen to Him inevitably say "No man ever spoke like this man!" (John 7:46, RSV).
God's Word tells us that Jesus had the same temptations we do, though He never once gave way to them and sinned (Hebrews 4:15). Our Lord thus stands out as the supreme example of one who practiced the things that He taught to others and that He expects of His followers.
We still stand today in the shadow of God's sure promise: "For God has allowed us to know the secret of His plan, and it is this: He purposes in His sovereign will that all human history shall be consummated in Christ, that everything that exists in heaven or earth shall find its perfection and fulfillment in Him. And here is the staggering thing that in all which will belong to Christ we have been promised a share" (Ephesians 1:9-11, Phillips).
TODAY'S ACTION POINT: Today I will meditate upon the fact that I am a child of God, and heir of God and joint-heir with Christ; and upon the startling, incredible fact that I am related to Him and share with Him in all of this indescribable privilege and blessing. As a result I will claim His supernatural love and power and will speak more freely to others of my relationship with Him.
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