It hardly needs to be pointed out that most of the world does not affirm that Christ is “incomparable.” In our 21st century, multi-cultural world, a host of religions claim to have a corner on truth. Many of those claims are mutually exclusive with the claims of Scripture—they cannot both be true.
Who and what are we to believe? How are we as followers of Christ to respond to those who insist that their faith is equally (or more) valid than ours? And how are we to present the gospel of Christ to a world that views Him as something different or less than we believe Him to be, simply another in a pantheon of religious figures?
These challenges are not new. From His entrance into this world as an infant until He breathed His final breath, Jesus was the subject of intense scrutiny and controversy. Throughout His earthly ministry, His claims and message were vigorously discussed and debated.
The credibility and validity of His message hinge on the matter of His identity. At one point, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do others say that I am?” (Mark 8:27). A variety of responses followed, just as the same question would elicit a range of answers today: Some would say that Jesus was a great moral influence, a philosopher, a man worthy of emulation; others consider Him a fraud or a menace to society.
The follow-up question Jesus asked His disciples is even more pointed and critical than the first: “Who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29, emphasis added).
That is the question every person must answer. The way we respond to that question is of utmost importance. Our answer determines how we respond to Jesus and His message. When He was here on earth, some grumbled at His teaching; they hated Him for exposing the darkness of their minds and hearts; ultimately, they put Him to death. But others humbly and gladly received His words, because they believed He was who He claimed to be: the Son of God, God of very God, come down to earth to reconcile God to man.
And still today, people either worship, love, trust, and follow Jesus as the Savior of the world, or they deem Him irrelevant or even a threat to be extinguished. There really is no middle ground. What we believe about Jesus determines our ultimate destiny.
In his final book, The Radical Disciple, John Stott stresses the importance of affirming the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in our pluralistic world:
For he is unique in his incarnation (the one and only God-man), unique in his atonement (only he has died for the sins of the world), and unique in his resurrection (only he has conquered death). And since in no other person but Jesus of Nazareth did God first become human (in his birth), then bear our sins (in his death), and then triumph over death (in his resurrection), he is uniquely competent to save sinners. Nobody else possesses his qualifications.
So we may talk about Alexander the Great, Charles the Great and Napoleon the Great, but not Jesus the Great. He is not the Great—he is the Only. There is nobody like him. He has no rival and no successor.
How about you? Who is Jesus to you? Are you affirming His uniqueness in our pluralistic world? If so, how?
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Having been blessed to be a Christian now for more than three decades, I have grown, by His grace, in the knowledge of who Jesus is to me. He has led me into deeper experiences of knowing Him, through trials, through learning His Word, through communing with Him. I'm sure many Christians could say the same thing. "He grows sweeter and sweeter as the days go by, Oh what a love between my Lord and I..." (from an old song).
It is a curious thing, but true, that through my deepest needs, Jesus has drawn me closer to Himself and taught me more and more to know HIm, to value Him, to understand the power of His life and resurrection and what that means for my life, as He is living in me. "Christ in me, the hope of glory."
How can my response be put into adequate words? I loved your post above, Nancy, and think you summed up a lot about our beloved Christ. I am greatly enjoying your radio series and the companion book, The Incomparable Christ, considering many aspects of Jesus' life and ministry.
How can I affirm Jesus' uniqueness in this pluralistic world today? I'm sure there are ways the Lord wants me to do that that I'm not yet fulfilling. But one way -- which is my daily goal -- is the power of a stable, godly life. I remember your staff member Renee's testimony about her conversion -- how it was the life of her co-worker that drew her back to Christ -- the witness of a human life that responds to life's diffculties with the peace and grace that can only come through a life united with Christ. I hope and pray daily that my life may glorify Him and show others around me that He is alive. For me personally, that is mostly as a wife, mom, family, church and community member.
I am reminded that even the "least" member of the Body of Christ is very important! Every Christian has a unique and special way in which to display His glory!
Hope I haven't been too long-winded. Nancy's ministry is so encouraging and I praise the Lord for making it a part of my life and growth in Christ.
In His love,
on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 11:34 am
I just long to talk about Him and I've been praying, "Lord, make me a witness". I want to know Him more...I mean really know Him.
PS...I'm almost done with the book and well, is there a sequel????
on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 1:25 pm
on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 7:32 pm
A Tribute to My Jesus
My Creator and Redeemer
My Protector and my Guide
You're my Confidante and Counselor
In your shadow I abide.
My Deliverer and Fortress
Giving strength for each new day
Lord you fill my heart with gladness
And bring hope along the way.
Lord You are the great Provider
Light and Life unto my soul
Through Your beauty, pow'r and goodness
You have brought me to the fold.
Precious Jesus, You are worthy!
Highest praise to You we bring
Blessing, glory, adoration
To our matchless God and King!
on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 8:37 am
I encourage anyone who is not listening or reading ROH each day right now to do so. God is using these messages to focus my heart on Christ in these days leading up to Easter. I always strive to have a wholehearted focus on the Lord, but there is something special about this time of year and I have needed something to help my focus--so many distractions pull at my heart; even the responsibilities I have that must have my attention. There is a way to have a heart focused on Christ and fulfill my God-given responsibilites in worship to Him. That's my desire.
on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 9:29 am
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again."By Annie Flint"
Just now I'm facing this two-fold, I know God is the one I need to lean on to speak kindly & wisely as I speak. Pray, pray pray... God is able!
PS Leslie S & Nancy & all, Laurie & I sick all day today. Pray for tonight/tomorrow to get busy. I'm about to eat:-)
on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 12:59 am
Malachi 4:2
In His love,
on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 7:53 am
on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 1:29 pm