Love

Jesus didn’t stay an infant for long. It was time for Mary and Joseph to prepare Jesus to become a “son of commandment” (bar mitzvah). At that age young boys were obligated to observe the religious practices personally. So Jesus made the trip for Passover. Two decades later he would make the trip again, one last time, giving his life on the cross.

Without any pomp or circumstance, a royal baby was born. In the chaos of the Roman Empire, the Prince of Peace entered the human race. All heaven looked on as God wrote his story of love in living letters. Jesus became, in Paul’s words, “the image of the invisible God.”

In a song known as the Magnificat, Mary proclaimed her thankfulness and love to the Father. This song teaches several things about Mary.

So, you have a couple of choices. You can sit, soak, and sour, or you can put passion into action and follow the command of Jesus. You know what you need to do…what you must do. What are you waiting for?

Jesus’ question to the Father was a deep cry of His unfathomable love for us.  Even when He felt forsaken by the Father, even when He didn’t know how much longer He could hold on, even when the pain was unimaginable, Jesus never gave up. He never gave in. Jesus paid for sin in its deepest and fullest penalty for you and me.

Love doesn’t stop with this supreme act of Jesus. Those He died for are to love each other as He has loved us. We are to lay down our lives for another person if need be. Jesus’ great sacrifice calls for us to demonstrate great love. Love is costly. Long before a sacrificial death, love must be shown with a sacrificial life.

Jesus is the believer’s source of life. Say His name. Sing His praise. Tell Him how much you love Him. Tell Him how thankful you are for His work on the cross. Tell Him your struggles and ask for His strength. Tell Him your fears and ask for His peace. You are connected to the Source. Live each day in His eternal power.

Love is an action word. It is not hidden or hinted at. When you love someone you don’t want that person to be unsure of your emotions. When you love someone you say it and show it. Love is expressed in tangible ways.

Death is an enemy. It separates us from the body and takes us away from those we love on earth. It seems final. But Jesus will never leave us alone. As we pass from death He will usher us into life. Jesus will not leave you as an orphan. He is with you during this life, through the passage of death, and throughout eternity. Jesus never leaves us alone.