Exploring Christ’s Nature (Protestant/Evangelical Caucus/Devotional)

Ligonier.Org ^ | 12/6/2016

[Gamecock]

I remember the remarkable success of the little book published in the middle of the twentieth century by J. B. Phillips titled “Your God Is Too Small.” The book was a ringing challenge to seek a deeper understanding of the nature and character of God. It obviously struck a nerve, as multitudes of people devoured the book in a quest to expand their knowledge of the majesty of God.

I wish that someone could provoke the same response with regard to Christ. In my years of publishing and producing educational materials for Christians, I have been puzzled by something strange. I have noticed that books and tapes about Jesus do not do well in Christian bookstores. I am not sure why this is so. Perhaps it has something to do with a widespread assumption that we already know a lot about Jesus or that there may be something irreligious about studying the person and work of Christ too deeply.

There seems to be something wrong with our understanding of Jesus. We speak in saccharine terms of “gentle Jesus, meek and mild,” and of His “sweetness,” but the depth and riches of His nature remain elusive to us. Now, I love to speak of the sweetness of Christ. There is nothing wrong with this language. But we need to understand what it is about Him that makes Him so sweet to believers.

Coram Deo

Go to your local Christian bookstore and buy a book about Jesus. As you read it, ask God to reveal to you the true nature of His Son.

Passages for Further Study

Isaiah 53:2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.

Acts 8:32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth.

Colossians 2:9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,

[Gamecock]

Ping

[Boogieman]

“We speak in saccharine terms of “gentle Jesus, meek and mild,” and of His “sweetness,” but the depth and riches of His nature remain elusive to us.”

Reminds me of Taladegas Nights where the character wants to say grace to “Eight Pound, Six Ounce, Newborn Baby Jesus, don’t even know a word yet, just a little infant, so cuddly, but still omnipotent.”

[sanjuanbob]

Thanks for your posting. I listened to one of Dr. Godfrey’s speeches and it was very comfortable listening. We all get so busy in every day life that we aren’t willing to set aside a few short minutes for reflection.
Thanks again,
SJB.

[Gamecock]

Sometimes the stupidest movies provide the most biting commentary.