Humbly Entitled
Humbly entitled - sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it? Read to the end and the meaning will become clear.
46.2%, 27.5 million.
‘For the first time in a census of England and Wales, less than half of the population described themselves as “Christian” a 13.1 percentage point decrease from 59.3% (33.3 million) in 2011.’ The report carries on to observe that ‘despite this decrease, “Christian” remained the most common response to the [voluntary] religion response.’ Census 2021
Even with these startlingly, but hardly shocking statistics, at this time of year, people will still remember that Jesus is associated with this month. Yes, we do know that Jesus was not actually born in December as many Biblical scholars can attest. Even mainstream websites give the same information. A credible example is History.com. According to it’s website:
In the early years of Christianity Easter was the main holiday; the birth of Jesus was not celebrated. In the fourth century, church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday. Unfortunately, the Bible does not mention date for his birth (a fact Puritans later pointed out in order to deny the legitimacy of the celebration). Although some evidence suggests that his birth may have occurred in the spring (why would shepherds be herding in the middle of winter?), Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival. First called the Feast of the Nativity, the custom spread to Egypt by 432 and to England by the end of the sixth century.
The Bible’s silence on Jesus’ actually birth month may be because we do not need to focus on which date He was born, the most important factor is that He was born.
Born for a purpose.
We are told in the Gospel of Luke 1: 30-33, ‘Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”’
Later, Luke records in the second chapter and 52nd verse ‘And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.’
Later in His life, when He was 30 years old, Jesus began His earthly ministry which culminated at the cross three and a half years later. ‘And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 18 where they crucified Him…’ John 19:17-18
The question to ask and not just at this time of year is why did He come? Why did Jesus have to be born?
The answer appears seemingly simple, but it is not. Wrapped up in the straightforward answer of: He was born so that He could minister by teaching, preaching the Gospel, healing and then die (sacrificed for our sins) is the entire plan of salvation born out of a unfathomable love that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit has for fallen man - the human race. That means, for each one of us, as individuals.
What has Jesus’ death accomplished?
Through His death, we are now considered sons and daughters of God . Romans 8:14 -17 declares ‘14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.’ Additionally, ‘For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:26
Through Christ’s unselfish sacrifice, all those who choose to accept this amazing gift of love, can consider ourselves sons and daughters of God. As God is the King of kings, we are royalty!
Therefore, we are then humbly entitled to a relationship, the benefits of having a King for a Heavenly Father. We are commanded, ‘Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.’ Hebrews 4:16 God, Himself, has made us ‘joint heirs’ with Christ, and has brought us into relationship with Himself, thus we are entitled to the benefits so long as we endure the hardships. It is and will be those hardships that defines our character and keeps us humble.
Can you believe it?! Christ gave His life for each one of us even though we are laden down with sins and have done so much wrong. Yet, His love, through His sacrifice on the cross, cancels out our sins and sets us free. If we so choose.
This realisation should keep us humble as we seek to be in a sincere relationship with Him. Entitled, yet humble.
At this time of year and even more so because we are in the swan song of 2022, let us keep our minds on the truth that Jesus came, died, rose again and will come back again. Now that is Good News worth sharing!
To encourage you, listen to this beautiful song that reminds us that Jesus gave His life for ours.
His Life For Mine by The Talley Trio
Listen with a tissue; you’ll need it!
Until next time.
Love & Blessings
xxx
