the old story

Yesterday afternoon my wife and I experienced a wonderful performance of Handel's Messiah, the classic musical recounting of the coming of Jesus as prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament.  The work dates back to 1741 in England.  As the glorious scriptures came to dramatic life through the stirring music I thought of the wonder of God's story.  It is a story whose author has long known the plot and the climax.  And, amazingly enough, we also are characters in the story.  From the earliest scripture revealed to Moses about God's response to Adam and Eve's transgressions to the story of Abraham's faith and through the ups and downs of the nation Israel which gave rise to effervescent prophecies of the Messiah in Isaiah, we know that God has a plan.  Perhaps the most amazing aspect is that this plan includes you and me.  In fact, in a sense, there is no one on earth more important to God than you and I, as the story unfolds.  As wave after wave of generations pass and the story rolls through human history we see the opportunity for salvation as a light that shines for all to turn towards.  And there is more to the story as history continues, as we know from the Prophets that Jesus will come again and this world will be dramatically changed and we also will have the chance to walk directly in the presence of the Father and the Son.  So, this Christmas, as the story is recounted once again...write yourself into the story and realize that it was written for you...it includes you...and you can find yourself there!

 

Jeremiah 29:¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

blessings,

Rob Smith