So deeply planted are the roots of human corruption, that even after we are born again, renewed, “washed, sanctified, justified,” and made living members of Christ, these roots remain alive in the bottom of our hearts, and, like the leprosy in the walls of the house, we never get rid of them until the earthly house of this tabernacle is dissolved. Sin, no doubt, in the believer’s heart, has no longer dominion. It is checked, controlled, mortified, and crucified by the expulsive power of the new principle of grace. The life of a believer is a life of victory, and not of failure. But the very struggles which go on within his bosom, the fight that he finds it needful to fight daily, the watchful jealousy which he is obliged to exercise over his inner man, the contest between the flesh and the spirit, the inward “groanings” which no one knows but he who has experienced them - all, all testify to the same great truth, all show the enormous power and vitality of sin. Mighty indeed must that foe be who even when crucified is still alive!
J.C. Ryle

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#1 · December 15, 2006, 5:59 pm

Posted by: <@...>

So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees.  They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.  Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"  "Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said.  (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)  When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.  Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?"  And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."  "I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men go."   John 18:3-8 (NIV)

 

 

I set the crèche on the table and removed the Baby Jesus figurine from its wrappings.  How tiny He seemed, so delicately fragile in contrast to the surrounding pieces.  To the passing observer, He might even appear helpless and weak.  I remembered the cross and Jesus hanging there, beaten, bruised and bleeding - to the scornful world, a picture of defeat and brokenness.

 

Undoubtedly, that is what the soldiers expected to find this day when they arrested Jesus.  They brought weapons to subdue His entourage; they came at night so His followers would be few.  His disciples fled - all of them.  He was alone.  But He was not defenseless.  When Jesus said, "I am He" the soldiers fell backward to the ground.  Why?  I believe they caught a glimpse of His majesty, the greatness of the I AM, the power of the Lion's roar.  He was not defenseless in the Garden of Gethsemane; He was not defenseless on the cross; He was not defenseless in the manger.  Tens of thousands of angels waited to rescue Him but He didn't need them; although constrained within a body, He was still God!  All power and authority is in His hand - the hand of the Lamb in the manger, the hand of the Redeemer on the cross, the hand of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah Who conquered death, hell and the grave and Who reigns forevermore!

 

Father, I ask You to reveal this truth to each person reading this today.  Lord Jesus, we have made You too small in our own eyes.  Holy Spirit, please help us to see Jesus as He really is.  I ask it in Jesus' precious name.  Amen.

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