Missing the Obvious

"Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?" Mt 2:2. "And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine." Ac 2:12-13

Whether it was the birth of the Messiah or the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, many people missed the obvious. In this day of high-tech and many optioned churches and sermons on demand, we too are in danger of missing the obvious. Herod and the ruling elite missed what shepherds and foreign wisemen discovered. Some in the crowd at Pentecost heard the truth of the gospel while others dismissed it as drunken foolishness.

So, where are we? Do we miss the obvious that Jesus died to pay for our sins and appease the just and holy wrath of God? Do we miss the obvious by thinking we are good enough (however that is measured)? Do we miss the obvious by thinking somehow that we are saved by grace but sanctified by our behavior (or political party)? Do we miss the obvious by thinking that God loves us and has a wonderful plan for our life, when the His Word says "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it." (Mk 8:35) ?

Can we start 2011 by not just observing the obvious, but also by taking ownership of it. Let's look at God's Word not as a textbook or a rulebook or a history book (although it is each of these to some degree). Rather, let's look at God's Word as it is: God's self disclosure about who He is, about how much He loves His Son and the amazing effort they undertook to acquire our  ransom, redemption, rescue and restoration. And, let us see the clear call He has for us who claim (really claim) the name of Christ.

To God Alone be the Glory