Why Heaven Visited Earth
By Pastor Johnny R. Almond
The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
LUKE 19:10 MLB
I could have saved Myself a lot of trouble, if I had stayed by My Father’s side; instead, I made Myself nothing, donned the garb of a slave, and died a criminal’s death on a Roman cross. Skull Hill was a long way from glory. I went to hell so you would not have to. I became a servant so you could avoid self-destructiveness. I was crucified so you could be changed for the better. I was deserted so you could enjoy the pleasure of My company. I became the Son of Man so you could become a child of God. I died in your place so you could live in Mine. I came to the world not just to challenge you to seek higher goals—I came to offer you My forgiveness and mercy and grace.
I could have saved Myself from physical death had I descended the cross; instead, I saved believers from spiritual death by staying on the cross. I condescended to save you from sin’s penalty, power, and presence. Heartfelt faith in the Savior and public confession of allegiance to Me sets you on the road to heaven. If you have taken this first step of trust in Me, you are free of guilt—no longer on death row, no more condemned to torment! When your old life of sin is buried with Christ, you live a new, free life. One day you will be like Me—this is My dream and your destiny. Salvation is a process I began in your heart—I intend to complete it.
I did not leave heaven to seek smug legalists and self-righteous snobs—but sinners who are painfully aware of their moral failure. If I had saved Myself from humiliation, you could not be saved from hell. My heart goes out to all people—I died for the sins of the entire world. Religionists who think they are good enough have no interest in Me. Humble souls understand My purpose—smart-alecks are clueless.
Glory will fill your soul when you know why heaven visited earth.
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church - Friends on a Journey of Faith
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—book available on Amazon
http://GentleWhispersFromEternity--ScripturePersonalized.com/
This devotional based on day 318 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity
