Been Here Since Ever!

John 8:48-59

Message No. 0587 | Twitter @GodandUs | www.wisdom-speaks.ca

In some cultures, children dare not speak where elders are seated. Not only will they be shouted down, they’ll be seen as rude, stupid and lacking home training. I mentioned in one of our older writings, my experience in my first year as an employee, right out of University. I thought I was an adult and had learned enough of how elders were respected. Then, in one meeting with our Assistant General Manager (AGM) Training, one of my colleagues dared speak and said, ‘Yeah, as Mr. Eze said…’ only to be stopped by the AGM who asked ‘Don’t you have elders in your village? Don’t call me Mr. Eze, call me AGM.’ All of us in the class were left shocked. This was a new level of demand for respect by elders.

Well, the situation in Israel at the time of Jesus’ birth was no different. Not only were the rulers of those days kings, even the religious leaders were an institution on their own. It was therefore not a surprise that they found it insulting to listen to Jesus, a mere child (in their eyes), talk to them in the manners He did, on many occasions. In John chapter 8 verses 48 – 59, the Jews felt embarrassed, cheated and felt that their intelligence was insulted when Jesus said certain things in their ears. In verse 48:

The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?”

They were, in fact, all the more insulted when Jesus told them, “Before Abraham was born, I am!” In instant reaction, the Bible says:

At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

Unknown to them, Jesus not only told them the truth, but He was Truth. Jesus and Abraham were never agemates. How could the Maker and the made be of the same age? In John 1:1, the Bible says in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And in verse 3, it says through Him all things were made and without Him was nothing made that was made. Jesus existed before the beginning. He decided to create the heavens and the earth in the beginning. He made man in His own image, creating Adam and Eve in the process. Everyone who ever existed was created by Him.

Jesus was born a child so He could come to our level, but He was anything but a child. He was the all-powerful God who became Man to save us from our sins. Without His coming, no one could ever have made it. We would all be dead in our sins and heading towards eternal destruction. But for His coming, the earth would probably have been destroyed by now, because He would no longer be able to stomach our unending sins and unrepentant posture. He decided to sacrifice Himself so we may live. He laid His life down so we may have eternal life. He became poor so we may be rich.

The Jews felt insulted because Jesus told them He was older than Abraham. Nothing could be truer. He’s been here since ever! He is the ageless God, the unchangeable Changer, the Ancient of Days, the Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient. He’s not only God, He’s the only God. No one could live without Him and no one could breathe the air if He says No. He’s the only Way to heaven. In Acts 4:12, the Bible says:

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

This week we remember the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but we must never forget that we’re not speaking of a small baby in a manger as He has always been depicted. We are talking of the God who made us, established us and sustains us. There’s danger out there for those who don’t know Him. The end of such people is frightening. If you have not given your life to Him, please do so without delays. The Bible says now is the acceptable time, because tomorrow may be too late. There is no escaping the wrath of God if we neglect such great love. Please surrender your life today and may God bless you as we celebrate His coming. Merry Christmas!

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 PLEASE ACT NOW:
 If you are yet to give your life to Christ, you do not have a covenant with God and His promises do not apply to you. To come under these promises, please surrender your life to Christ today, by praying this prayer:
 Lord I know that I am a sinner and I am unable to save myself. I am sorry for my sins and I pray that you please forgive me. I am aware that Your Son Jesus died for my sins and I accept Him as my Lord and savior. I surrender my life unto you from this moment. Please take control of my entire being and help me to be obedient to your Word, going forward. Thank you, Lord, for hearing me. I have prayed in Jesus’ name. Amen.
 If you prayed the foregoing prayer, you have just been born again. Please find a Bible believing church in your area and ask to see the pastor. Let him or her know that you have just given your life to Christ and s/he will guide you on next steps in your journey as a child of God. The Lord bless you!