Your Daily Devotional for December 2, 2007

 

December 2,  2007

 

 

He Came Down to Us

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city...and so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

 

Luke 2:1–3, 6–7

 

 

One of the most familiar verses in the Bible is Romans 3:23, where God declares, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." What a startling thought that all of us are sinners. Every person, every pastor and priest—all have sinned and come short of God's glory.

 

I don't know about you, but coming up short has never been a very exciting experience in my life. For example, not long ago I was at a fast food restaurant with a couple of my children. After placing our order, I reached into my pocket and was surprised to find three one-dollar bills. I knew there was a larger bill somewhere in my wallet; so as the line of frustrated customers grew behind me, I began a frantic search. It soon became very obvious that there was no money; I had come up short financially.

 

Sometimes a student falls short of a needed grade point average, or a traveler arrives at his airport gate just a little too late. It never feels good to come up short in any situation! Did you know the commonality or universal truth of mankind is found in the fact that we all fall short of God's glory? 

 

You are probably thinking, "Is this what I have to hear about today—I fall short of God's glory? Merry Christmas to you, too." My friend, it is important for you to understand this truth if you are going to appreciate the fact that although you fall short, Jesus in His love came down to you.

 

This passage in Luke tells us that Jesus Christ came down to us at a prepared time. To many people it would seem inconvenient that a pregnant woman had to travel to Bethlehem to pay her taxes, but it was clearly ordered in the Scriptures that the Messiah would be born in that city. Isaiah 9:6 says, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."  

 

Not only was Jesus' birth ordered in the Scriptures, it was orchestrated by God's power. The Bible states, "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law." Although Caesar Augustus was ruling, God was in charge. He used the census to fulfill His Word.

 

We see that Jesus Christ came to earth at a prepared time for a specific purpose. Because we fall short of God's glory, He came down to us. If you have never accepted Jesus Christ, ask Him to be your Saviour today and receive the greatest Gift of all this holiday season.

 

Daily Bible Reading

Ezekiel 42-44 • 1 John 1

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