December 21, 2020 -- John 18:4-8 -- Falling before Jesus

Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.”

John 18:4-8 English Standard Version

And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Matthew 2:9-11 English Standard Version

In the first text, 480 battle hardened soldiers who had come to arrest Jesus, fell helplessly before Jesus when He declared “I AM He”. Jesus gave these men the briefest glimpse of His glory and they fell before Him as though dead. In the second text, Magi, wise men from the East, traveled, diligently searching for Jesus. When they saw Jesus, they too fell to the ground, but they in vivified, joy-filled worship.

This is the Christmas question: “Who is Jesus”? Will you disregard Him and live as if He had no power until, at the end of your life, like Roman Soldiers you will all fall down before His glory and power? Those who deny Him now, will find at the end of History He is glorious in majesty and He has the power to cast the wicked to hell. Or will you seek Him out right now and give your life in worship, presenting to Him, the best of what you have, the best of what you are, praising God and glorifying Jesus in the strength of the Holy Spirit?

Now is the day of salvation If you do not know Jesus, find a Christian friend whose walk you admire and ask about Jesus! Your life and joy, your blessedness and peace depend on it.

Our prayer, which is an ascription of praise and promise of blessing, comes from Isaiah ~

But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Isaiah 43:1-3 English Standard Version

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