So Simple, So Profound!

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit,
seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles,
believed on in the world, received up into glory.
(1 Timothy 3:16)

Today, Christmas Day, we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. How incredible that “the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14a)! Yet, so familiar we can become with the story that we are prone to pass over it without giving it a second thought or even a moment’s consideration. We are far too easily lulled to sleep by over-familiarity with the Gospel truth.

Recently, I was jolted awake by a sermon on this text by the great Baptist “prince of preachers,” Charles H. Spurgeon. At the conclusion, Spurgeon drives home two powerful encouragements:

• How this text ought to encourage us to spread the Gospel!
  “When I am preaching the Gospel, many may say, “Oh, he is only telling us commonplace Truth.” Just so, I know that. And yet I feel within myself as if I were wheeling up God’s great cannon which will yet blow the gates of Hell to pieces! What? None of the venerable mysteries of Rome? What? None of the new philosophical discoveries? None of the imposing ceremonies? No, Brothers and Sisters, not one of them—they are all wooden guns, shams and counterfeits—and if ever they are fired off they will go to shivers. This plain Truth of God, that “God was made flesh and dwelt among us,” is God’s great battering ram against which nothing can stand!”
  

• Look for nothing greater, the Gospel is great enough!
  Again, Spurgeon encourages us: “Never lose heart in the Gospel, my Brothers, but think you hear the Apostle calling across the ages, ‘Great is the mystery of godliness.’ Keep to it. Never think you have told men enough times about it. As Napoleon told his warriors at the pyramids, “A thousand ages look down upon you!” Bleeding martyrs, from their graves, call to you to be faithful. Confessors who ascended to Heaven in fiery chariots implore you to be steadfast. Hold fast that you have received. Attempt not to mend the Truth! Venture not to shape it according to the fancy of the times, but proclaim it in all its native purity. By this hammer the gods of Rome and Greece were dashed to shivers. By this lever the world was turned upside down! It is this Gospel which has brought glory to God, filled Heaven with redeemed souls, and made Hell to tremble in all its palaces of flame. Bind it about your heart and defy the hosts of Rome or Hell to unloose its folds! Wrap it about your loins in death and hold it as a standard in both your hands in life. This simple Truth of God, that “Jesus Christ has come to seek and to save that which is lost,” and that, “whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life,” must be your jewels, your treasure, your life!”

What a great encouragement for the Church to hear today! Is Jesus your jewel, your treasure, your life? As we celebrate this Christmas season and prepare to usher in the New Year, let me encourage you to consider the gospel afresh. Determine to share your faith throughout the coming year, and ask God to make it a banner year in your life.

Church, let’s do something BIG for God in 2008!