When God Says …
“For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (Luke 7:28 KJV).
This passage poses a deep contrast between the glory of the old covenant and the glorious reality of God's new covenant of grace through Christ Jesus our Lord. John the Baptist's role as the bridge from the old to the new covenant to herald the coming Messiah, made Him the greatest of all humanity born of women. He's the last of the prophets, for from then on God now speaks through His Son Christ Jesus our Lord (Hebrews 1:1-4).
In the Kingdom of God, our greatness is not measured by achievements, fame, possessions, titles or awards. Rather, it is about our intimacy with Christ Jesus our Lord. The very essence of greatness is found in one’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The least among us, through faith in Him, can enjoy the fullness of life and purpose that John the Baptist, despite his great prophetic role, could not possess fully. The New Covenant of the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24) that came by Christ Jesus (John 1:17) allows us who believe to have a direct relationship with God, vested as gift by grace through faith.
One may ask: must we achieve something extraordinary to be valued by God? The answer is No! It is not about us. The Lord Jesus Christ reassures us that worth in the kingdom of God is not predicated on effort of achievement nor notorious performance, but on our acceptance of His grace and the call to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, God expects us to work. “The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent" (John 5:29).
In Christ, we are greater—not through our own merits but through our total dependence on His grace that He lavishes upon us. You and I, as we humble before the Lord and totally depend on His grace like a little child, the Lord Jesus Christ declared us great in the Kingdom of Heaven. It is written: “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-4 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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