08.02.07
“FROM EAST TO WEST!”
I John 2:1-2
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
It is funny how things come back to your remembrance. When I was a small boy of perhaps four or five, I can remember being in a church service, sitting next to my mother. I leaned over on her soft warm winter coat, and soon fell fast asleep. Now being a preacher I don’t want to give you any ideas, but I fell asleep while the pastor was preaching his sermon.
I am sure it was a good sermon–well, I’m sure it was–but to tell you the truth I really don’t recall–I was asleep at the time! I woke up as our pastor was making a point. He was explaining something of the breadth of God’s love. In illustration, he spread his arms as wide as he could and said, “As far as the east is from the west, is God’s love for us!”
I have no idea what was in my little pea brain, but I was on my feet in a flash with my little arms spread as far as I could spread them and yelled out; “As far as the east is from the west!”
I was preparing to go on mimicking his gestures, but I felt a hand on the back of my shirt, I was pulled out into the aisle. People all over the church were laughing about what was going to happen to this pint sized preacher. I was marched downstairs to the furnace room, where my mom started a fire on my bottom with a piece of kindling. Just think–they call them the, “good old days!” I was neither good nor old!
In today’s Scripture, John is writing this letter to his children of all generations. He wants us to understand the depth of what Jesus has done for each one who receives Him as Savior and Lord. It was His atoning sacrifice which paid the price for our sin. It was not just for the sins of His disciples, nor just for the Jews. His atoning sacrifice was for the whole world–the good, the bad and the ugly! We only have to claim it by faith.
Our attention at this time is riveted on Afghanistan where a group of Korean Christians have been kidnapped and are facing death. It is heart-rending to think that a trip which started to bring the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, may end in the shedding of their blood.
As tragic as this situation is, we need to recall the words of Jesus in John 12:24, ”I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” Nations all around the globe are fighting to kill their enemies. Christ died for them all, that by His blood, they may all be His dear children–regardless of nationality.
For years Jews on one side and Palestinians on the other side of the line, fight to end the other’s lives. Jesus died that all may come to the Father through Him. Right now in Israel and Palestine, there are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. They have come to the Prince of Peace who has done what their political leaders cannot do. He has set peace in their heart and life to allow them to worship and share together with their former foes.
What a stupendous revelation that Jesus is in heaven to make former enemies brothers in Christ. It is much more than signing a peace treaty between warring factions. When Christ is invited into the heart of a repentant sinner, there comes a love from God that stretches–As far as the east is from the west! Hey! That’s worthy of an AMEN! Thank you precious Lord!
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely, and be a blessing.
- - - Pastor Cecil