by Paula Mowery

writerpaula@gmail.com 

From what we know of heaven, it is a place of no tears, no pain, and no death. Why would anyone leave such a place of comfort? Who would trade glory for suffering? Yet, over two thousand years ago God sent Jesus from the splendor of heaven to a dirty animal stall. God’s love for man compelled Him to send His only Son.

While on earth Jesus walked among the sick, the outcast, and the religious. He rebuked and warned those dependent on rules and laws as a way to heaven. He looked on suffering with such deep compassion that just feeling sorry was not enough; the pain moved Him to action. Jesus was willing to give the ultimate sacrifice of a friend for a friend – His own life.

As New Testament Christians, we are to be like Christ – model our lives after His example. To do so means we might have to leave our comfortable luxury and reach out to the “unlovable.”

That baby in the manger left streets of gold and mansions humbling Himself to die on a cross as a man, so we would have the opportunity to one day live in heaven with Him.

Ten years ago on a mission trip to Africa I met a pastor who lived in what we Americans would call a horse-stall. He lived among people with similar accommodations. This man’s testimony shocked me. He left a rather affluent family and nice home to move into a shack with a dirt floor. But, this pastor knew the best way to reach this people-group for Christ was to move in and live amongst them.

Lord, help us leave our comforts and be compelled by Your love to reach the world with the gospel. Thank you for the hope of eternity in heaven.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s not only be thankful for the gift of Jesus but challenged to do as He did.
 
© Paula Mowery