Dana's Christian Journey

John the Baptist teaches us the proper response when Jesus comes into our lives. Though multitudes flocked to hear him preach and though many repented and were baptized after hearing his message, John constantly proclaimed: “I am not the Messiah. The Greatest is coming!”

It is one thing to realize Jesus is supreme, it is another thing to step aside and let Him rule. John’s followers reported: “The One you baptized is now baptizing more people than you are.” Does this bring disappointment… or jealousy… or bitterness? John responded beautifully: “From now on, He must increase and I must decrease.” (see John 3:22-30)

When we conclude that “Jesus is everything,” we must then trust that the Author and Perfecter of our faith knows what He is doing. After being arrested by King Herod, John sent his followers on a fact-finding mission. “Go ask Jesus if He is really the One or should we expect someone else. I’m sitting in a jail and this doesn’t seem to fit with the coming of a King.” Questions, confusion, doubt… those who decrease and let Christ increase are not exempt from such challenges.

Though He taught about carrying a cross and being misunderstood and losing reputation, it would seem the Lord of lords would arrange a smoother journey for His followers. Jesus answered his older cousin: “The kingdom is advancing. The sick are being healed, the blind can see, captives are being set free, good news is being proclaimed to the poor… don’t fall away because of Me.” (see Luke 7:18-23) Jesus wants us to trust… even when things don’t make sense. “Hang on child. Trust in Me. Everything will be perfect in the very end, but the narrow path you are walking is not easy.”

We’re not told of John’s response, but I think he was encouraged. “OK… I’m not crazy; Jesus is the One. All I really need is You, God. Thank you for Your answer and for Your peace and for Your advancing kingdom. Your will be done… now and forevermore.”

“I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke 7:28

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1-2

Kinsey and Jordan took the kids on a train ride in Colorado a few days before they flew to Atlanta for Christmas. As Kinsey told us this story over FaceTime, she asked two-year-old Owen, “Who did we see on the train?” Owen shouted, “Jesus!” Kinsey replied, “Actually, it was Santa Clause, but Owen has learned in church the best answer to any question is: ‘Jesus!’”

A long time ago, I told a church friend my new revelation: “Jim… I know the answer to all the division in Christianity. In fact, this may be the solution to every argument. The answer is ‘Jesus!’” Jim looked at me sympathetically and replied: “Dana, that sounds good… but it will never work.”

I’ve received such corrections many times over the years, but I read a phrase recently from a believer whose message has encouraged multitudes: “There is only Christ – He is everything.” (Colossians 3:11) I thought: “That’s what I believe…” and I looked up the Scripture. Though I could not find find the exact words above, Paul’s message to believers seems clear:

“Christ is all, and is in all.” (NIV)
“Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us.” (NLT)
“Christ is everything. He is in all of us.” (NLV)
“But Christ is in all believers, and Christ is all that is important.” (NCV)
“Christ is everything and in everything.” (GW)
“Christ is all that matters, and He is in all of you.” (ERV)
“From now on, everyone is defined by Christ; everyone is included in Christ.” (MSG)
“Whether a person has Christ is what matters, and He is equally available to all.” (TLB)
“For it is Christ that means everything and He lives in every one of us.” (TPT)
“But the all and in all – Christ.” (YLT)

This understanding does not make life easy, but it gives the solid foundation on which to stand. Let this new year begin and end with the truth God desires for every person to embrace: “My Son is all.”

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the Head of the Body, the Church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace though His blood, shed on the cross.” Colossians 1:15-20

“Who is He, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty – He is the King of glory.” (Psalm 24:10)

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

We trust the ancient voices who predicted His coming and who witnessed Him on earth… and we know what Jesus has done in our own lives. “He is the King of glory.”

We can speak with confidence regarding the One born of a virgin in Bethlehem. He lived thirty something years in the land of Israel, teaching about the kingdom of God and doing mighty works. He died a criminal’s death outside Jerusalem and was buried in a borrowed tomb. But God raised His Son up on the third day – “the King of glory.”

The Good News for the world is that Jesus lives today and longs for all to know Him as Savior and Lord. When we turn to Him in faith, the Holy Spirit frees us to see the glory of God. Grace and truth bless us. As we contemplate His glory – His mercy, kindness, power, and love – God transforms us into the likeness of His Son.

When a proud man becomes humble or an angry man becomes peaceful or a hateful man becomes kind, people take note. The Christ of Christmas changes us. The One who loved us enough to die that we might be saved teaches us to love like He does.

The children of God, along with the angels on high, want God to receive all glory. We know what He has done, what He is doing, and what He promises to do. May He be glorified in our lives.

“But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” II Corinthians 3:16-18

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’” Luke 2:13-14

I’ll not write for a couple of weeks as we break for the holidays.
Merry Christmas!