Ordinary People, Extraordinary Savior

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Savior 

by David Brenneman 

"For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within. But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus;" ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭7:5‭-‬6.

When many people look at Christians they don't think that they measure up, that they "can do that".  My Dear Reader, it has nothing to do with your abilities!  Dr. John MacArthur wrote a book a long time ago called "Twelve Ordinary Men".  A very good approximation of the lives of the 12 Disciples.  

When someone says yes to the free Gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ...He begins the work in us.  Sometimes referred to as the Great Physician, Jesus is the one we are to trust with any and all changes in our lives that are right, true, and essential to Godly living. 

When you seek out the help and expertise of a human Doctor, you don't pour over all their education and review their entire work history do you?  You don't brush up on what it means to be a Doctor before you allow them to operate do you?  

The Disciples, those men of God, followed the words of Jesus and created more Disciples.  Teaching them all that Jesus commanded.  These too had to learn similar lessons that these had learned.  After them, others were so trained. 

Our lives are in the hands of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  We aren't to be fussing over what parts of our former life that we want to keep.  Many activities we just won't be wanting to do anymore. Some we might actually be anxious to be rid of.  Still others will have never entered our minds that we might be doing. 

"afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within. But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us"...really take this in.

Paul wrote of being anxious about nothing because he struggled with it.  He wrote about it.  He was thoroughly consumed with concerns for all the churches.  He knew depression well.  Locked up and unable to visit the churches.  My Dear Reader you're in good company.  Likewise, that same Jesus is there for you as He was for Paul.

We should not put on an air of peace and contentment when the reality is quite the opposite.  We are to bring whatever is on our hearts to Jesus to deal with.   That's just normal Christian living.  

We are to give thanks in all things.  The good, the bad and the ugly.  When life is painful and when it isn't.  When we're worried and when we are not.  Worry does happen in the lives of Believers.  We all have a sin nature yet to deal with.  Worry, when it's finally brought to Jesus, becomes a prayer.  When it makes laps in our minds it goes nowhere.  So let it out, regardless of reasoning, to let Jesus know how much you hurt, of how much you need Him.

The people who are in the Christmas story are also ordinary people.  Flawed human beings with a history.  We all have a history.  Things we've done, said, to ourselves and others.  Things we regret not doing or saying.  Those in the account written by Luke were ordinary people.  They were special in only one way...they were chosen by God. 

What's your life like?  Thinking it's too much this time of year?  I know that feeling well.  Our world is increasingly becoming against all things to do with Jesus.  They would rather Christmas be only about sales and profits for any other reason than that of the birth of Jesus.  

My mind goes back to family gatherings. Filling a house with family and friends.  Seems so long ago...but the bookends reveal that for those in Christ it will be once again.  Those ordinary people who are saved will celebrate the family reunion of all family reunions.  

The greatest treasure and gift of all is not in what we get or give in this here and now.  It's all about what Jesus did for us. 

Keeping our minds right with an attitude of thanksgiving for all He has done will go a long way with regards to our own inadequacies.  Be thankful.  We should never think we're able to thwart the plan of God for us. My Dear Reader, you and I are simply not that powerful.  

Have worries? Have concerns? Have a stressful life?  May seem weird...but thank God for it.  Ask for His help in dealing with it.  Know that it's ok that it's too much for you...it isn't for Jesus. 

Pray on, pray over, pray through this time of year.  You, my ordinary reader, have the Great Physician, Great Counselor, Great Teacher, at your disposal at all times.  Doesn't charge a deductible, cares not if you think that you can afford it.  He’s covered all the costs.  

Merry Christmas!

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.