It's All about Jesus

Can we ever be too Christ-centered? The more Christ-centered we are, the more in harmony we are with the Father’s eternal purpose.

Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; to him shall come and be ashamed all who were incensed against him.

Isaiah 45:24

The reality of God’s salvation is simple: “Christ is all, and in all” (Col. 3:11). He has designated His Son to be everything in salvation: our redemption, regeneration, reconciliation, forgiveness, adoption, righteousness, sanctification, holiness, and glorification, including every blessing and promise.

Salvation is through Him and for Him. He’s the beginning, the means, and the end of our eternal bliss. God expressed that as follows: “Only in the LORD. . .” Everything is to be found in Christ, who is freely given to us and received by faith.

To emphasize its importance, let’s read the previous verse: “By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.’”

Consider the weightiness that God has sworn by Himself. Any diversion from Christ is a lethal offense, as Paul wrote: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8).

What does it mean that “every tongue shall confess to God,” as the footnote in the ESV states? All our righteousness and the strength to live accordingly are found in Christ alone. He’s the source, substance, and sustainer of all righteous living. Just like with creation, Jesus is the Creator and Upholder of every righteous thought, emotion, motive, word, and action. Jesus is all!

This devotional is from It’s All about Jesus: The Bible’s Grand Testimony. You can buy this one-year devotional for only $5.00. Click here to do so. You’ll be blessed and encouraged as you focus on Him each day.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Isaiah 40:8

There’s an inseparable connection between God’s written word—the Bible—and His living Word—Jesus. John’s word choice doesn’t seem a coincidence: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Jesus is “The Word of God” (Rev. 19:13). Whether it’s God’s word of grace or judgment, Jesus embodies and executes it.

When we consider today’s verse, there’s an infinite contrast. While only “grass” and “flower” are mentioned, it implies everything that isn’t God’s word. Nothing will endure forever except what Jesus has accomplished and done.

That means that His gracious words will forever stand for those who have received Him as “The Word of God.” The other side of the coin is also true. His expressed judgment will forever stand for those who’ve rejected Him as “The Word of God.” Just like “the word of his power” upholds the universe (Heb. 1:3), even so His word of grace and judgment will fix eternal destinies.

Isn’t it an incredible thought that, in the end, only Jesus and everything He has accomplished will be able to stand the test of eternity? That should deeply humble us, realizing that all lasting fruit in our lives is wholly related to Him.

Let’s place our hope and value in God’s word. Everything else, no matter how useful or beautiful, will wither and fade. It will only cause major disillusionment when we place value on that which is not.

This devotional is from It’s All about Jesus: The Bible’s Grand Testimony. You can buy this one-year devotional for only $5.00. Click here to do so. You’ll be blessed and encouraged as you focus on Him each day.

It is written in the Prophets, “And they will all be taught by God.” Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me.

John 6:45

When Peter gave his confession of faith, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Jesus stated: “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 16:16-17). There’s no saving knowledge of the person and work of Jesus Christ apart from the Father revealing His Son to us.

That truth is also seen in today’s verse. There must be a personal revelation from the Father in order for anyone to embrace Jesus for who He is. Jesus said: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (John 6:44). He effectively does so through His word and Spirit.

This revelation is based on His grace and no one can claim any entitlement. For example, we read: “When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed” (Acts 18:27). Not only is the gift of His Son by grace alone, but also the effectual revelation of that gift.

When Jesus quoted from Isaiah, He stated: “They will all be taught by God.” What’s the outcome of His teaching? Jesus gave the answer: “Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me.” When it comes to salvation, the Father has only one lesson plan: go to My Son.

Can we then not also assume that any teaching that isn’t centered on His Son isn’t from the Father? Coming to Jesus is the evidence that one has been taught by the Father. He doesn’t have any other curriculum regarding our justification, sanctification, and glorification.

This devotional is from It’s All about Jesus: The Bible’s Grand Testimony. You can buy this one-year devotional for only $5.00. Click here to do so. You’ll be blessed and encouraged as you focus on Him each day.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18

There’s a strange “logic” in the Bible; it defies human reasoning. For example, when the Israelites had sinned and God sent fiery serpents, they experienced healing by simply looking at a bronze serpent on a pole (see Num. 21:4-9). We have the same kind of “logic” in today’s verse.

As Christians, we want to be like Jesus as much as possible. Obviously, we fall short, to say the least. What’s God’s answer to our need (and desire) to become more like Jesus? Is it primarily up to our commitment and dedication?

We were saved when God opened our eyes and saw Jesus for who He is, entrusting ourselves to Him. The same is true for our sanctification—our growing conformity to Jesus. We are to behold His glory. As a result, we’re “being transformed into the same image,” slowly but surely. 

Paul wrote that the answer is found in “beholding the glory of the Lord.” Are we too pragmatic for such a simple answer? Often, we have the Nike mindset: “Just Do It.” For the most part, we assume self-sufficiency.

The more we see of Him, the more we’ll become like Him. John wrote: “But we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2)? Are you consistently gazing at Christ’s glory? The Father has made that essential to your spiritual growth.

This devotional is from It’s All about Jesus: The Bible’s Grand Testimony. You can buy this one-year devotional for only $5.00. Click here to do so. You’ll be blessed and encouraged as you focus on Him each day.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

I don’t recall where I read it, but one of the old divines has said that all the great philosophers wrote momentous works, but there’s only One who has said: “Come to me . . . and I will give you rest.” The endless pages of the world’s philosophers pale in comparison with His invitation and guaranteed benefit.

This verse is even more amazing in light of what it implies. What are some of the burdens that we carry? While we can certainly think of numerous ones, what about the burden of sin or the burdens that doubt produces? Every Christian knows this by heart.

Nevertheless, Jesus invites usto come to Him and experience rest. Our sins and doubts are no deterrent for coming. Astoundingly, self-inflicted burdens pose no restraint to His invitation. Whatever it is, the mandate is clear: “Come to me . . . and I will give you rest.” The sooner we do so, the better it is.

Here’s solid hope for the backslider and the one who has neglected the means of grace. With His invitation, Jesus cleared the path to obtain deep rest for our soul. Is anything more priceless? Many would be willing to do or give anything for such peace of mind. Yet, Jesus offers it freely.

Will you come to Him? Will you cast yourself upon Him? His promise is certain. Nothing can withstand His declaration: “I will give you rest.” Not just for a few brief moments, but continually as you come to Him.

One more thing…

This devotional comes from It’s All about Jesus, a one-year devotional about the person and work of Jesus Christ. It’s used as a fundraiser for the spread of His gospel through 100 reputable ministries. For more info, please go to: www.happybirthdayjesuschrist.com