Who is this Man?
By Abraham Eli
The Cross against a dark background. Photo credit: Aaron Burden
Some two thousand years ago, there walked upon the earth, a Man, who changed the world for good. He was born by a virgin, and His earthly foster parents were very, very, poor. He learnt the carpenter's trade, and soon became the preacher to listen to, not only in His nation but also the nations around. He died the death of a criminal though He committed no crime. Three days after His death, He resurrected with a resounding victory over death. Before His death, it is recorded that He worked many signs and wonders for about three years: healing the sick, setting those held captive by demonic forces free, and casting out evil spirits that troubled many. He made the lame to walk, He opened blind eyes, He fed thousands for free, and He even raised the dead, including a man who had been dead and buried for four days.
Who is this Man?
Many thought that He would take sides with them on political issues of the day, the economy, religious doctrines, etc. Instead, His primary concern was to positively influence the lives of people, and through these changed lives, impact the whole world. Indeed, through some odd one hundred and twenty men and women of varied backgrounds and dispositions, He did change the face of the world, with the gospel of God's kingdom; and today, the world is still being shaken by Him.
Who is this Man?
He has been the source of numerous controversies, though He is the Prince of Peace. He has been despised by many, though the fragrance of His love is unmatched. He has been crucified many times over, though He was crucified once and thereafter He lives forevermore. His resurrection has been refuted by many, though He is the Resurrection and Life. Many lies have been told about and against Him, though He is the Truth. Many have tried to dim His Brightness, though He is the Light that lights all men that come into the world. Many have desecrated His Person, though He is the Lamb of God, Who sits on the throne, and is worthy of all worship, glory, honor, and praise.
Who is this Man?
He is an epitome of paradox: He is a Man and He is God; He is a Lamb and He is a Lion; He is a Master and He is a Friend; He is an Advocate and He is a Judge; He wounds and He heals; He kills and He makes alive; He was the suffering King and He is the reigning King. He became poor so that we might be rich; He died so that we might be delivered from the claws of sin and death; He resurrected so that He would supervise the victory He won through His death.
Who is this Man?
He is Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God! The One who came into this world to pay the price for sin (His punishment through death on the cross); as it is written, "For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). If any man or woman is seeking everlasting life, he or she will find it only in Jesus Christ, for it is written, "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (1 John 5:12)
He is the Creator of the earth and all that is in it, for it is written of Him; "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not." (John 1:10)
Having a relationship with Jesus Christ is the way to everlasting life: it is written, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3)
You can be a beneficiary of God's salvation which is freely offered to anyone who would forsake his sinful ways and turn to Him. He will receive you even today; for it is written, ". . . those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them." (John 6:37, New Living Translation)
This is the "Man" and God we are inviting you to come and worship along with us!
God bless you abundantly as you celebrate Jesus with us!