MORNING MANNA         12/27/19

JOSEPH’S JOB

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” – Luke 19:10

Here we see a great subject – “the Son of man”. We often hear people speak of Christ as “the Son of God”, as well we should, but seldom do we hear Him called “the Son of man“. It’s as though they think it is a title unbecoming of the Lord. However, since this is the title He chose for Himself, and the fact that it is used about 78 times in the Gospels, it is perfectly suitable. But it’s more than just suitable, it is essential to understanding Christ. It is a reference to His humanity. It pictures Him as our near kinsman, our Redeemer. As someone said, “The Son of God became the Son of man that the sons of men might become the sons of God”!

Here we see a glorious statement – “is come”. Thank God He did! From the fall of man one prophet after another had proclaimed the promise that the Messiah would come. But one generation after another heard the message and went to the grave without seeing His arrival. But then “when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth his Son” ( Gal. 4:4-5). Not until then could it finally be said, “the Son of man is come“. Those are words God’s people had longed to hear. These are words that brought hope to the hopeless, confirmed the message of John the Baptist, frightened kings, and infuriated the devil. They are words that describe Christmas. His birth was according to the promise, by means of a virgin, at the appointed time, in the designated place, celebrated by angels, attended by shepherds, and the first step in our Lord’s journey to Calvary.

Here we see a gracious service – “to seek and to save that which was lost”. From beginning to the end, salvation is of the Lord and by grace. Jesus didn’t come to behold the seven wonders of the world, reform governments, start welfare programs, or heal man’s diseases. He came to meet man’s greatest need – “to seek and to save that which was lost”. Since all have sinned this makes His coming of great importance to everyone. As sinners we are spiritually dead, separated from God, and condemned already. Yet the “Son of man” came to save us. That is a love story without equal – the greatest story ever told. – HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” – Eph. 2:8-9

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” – Matt. 1:23

Of all the words associated with Christmas perhaps none is so telling as “Emmanuel” – “God with us”. That describes Christmas in a word. Yet that is contrary to the feelings of many troubled souls who feel as though they are all alone. While some sing “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” others feel it is the very worst. They feel that way for a variety of reasons — loss of a loved one, poor health, poverty, troubled relationship, loneliness, etc. They are miserable rather than merry. As they hear others singing “Joy to the world” it seems like a mockery of their misery. They are overwhelmed by the feeling that no one knows, cares, or is able to help. They are troubled by their trials, swallowed up with sadness, in a dark pit of depression.

You could say that is an apt description of this sinful world. But upon such a pitiful picture as that God steps on the scene and announces that “Emmanuel” is coming. He wants  us to know that we are not alone, not forgotten, and not without help. He Himself is coming, has come, to rescue us. That’s the Christmas story – God coming to man to meet his deepest needs and satisfy his greatest desires. In that one word we find the assurance of aid, the answer for afflictions, and the acknowledgement of affection. That’s the Christmas story. He came to us, to give Himself for us, to be with us.