Where Would You Be Without Jesus?

Charles Wesley penned the words we often sing at Christmastime: “Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies.” Too often we sing along without ever considering the songwriter’s heart and intention. (Re-read and consider those words for a moment.)

Reminds me of the night Jesus was born. The angels appeared to them and shared the words many of us know so well: …”I bring you good tidings of great joy!”… (Luke 2:10). But, did the shepherds really allow those words to sink in? How long did they meditate upon those words after the event? When He preached thirty years later, did any of them remember the words of the angels on the hillside? Maybe some of those shepherds were yelling, “Crucify Him!”???

Unfortunately, we humans quickly forget the wonderful things GOD has done in our lives. We tend to forget what He has brought us out from, what He has delivered us from. Our salvation experience, although it is the single greatest personal event we have ever had, becomes shallow in our minds and in our hearts.

Today and throughout this coming year, I want to encourage you all to remember where GOD has brought you from. Paul wrote: “For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by His life!” (Romans 5:10). Consider the depth and implications of those words upon your own life. Ask yourself: Where would I be right now had I never met Jesus? Then, remember your personal response throughout this coming year and be thankful to GOD for where He is taking you to as you learn to follow Him more closely everyday.