The Word: Rejected

“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” (John 1:10-11)

It’s no wonder the plot of so many science fiction stories are based on the true story of Jesus. The whole thing is mind-blowing. The creator of all things manages to somehow squeeze himself into the world of his creation, to be one of them, to experience life from the perspective of a created thing without losing an ounce of his “godness.”

book2_350And the creation is not a sculpture garden or a novel or an animatronic stage play. It’s a living, breathing collection of individuals, every one of whom has chosen to “go his own way” away from the creator. Still, he has come to rescue them, the rebels, his creatures, his self-declared enemies. He has come to surrender and to suffer and to save them from their defiance. And yet when he arrives, nothing.

From pure willful pride and foolish ignorance, they could not see that blinding light blazing in the darkness. Some walked past as if he were a stranger. Others joined the plot to kill him. A very few, we’ll see tomorrow, believed the creator could wear sandals and take naps and reclaim their souls.

Think: Do you sometimes wonder if the story of Jesus is too fantastical to be true? Why do you believe it?

Pray: Thank God for creating you – and then sending the Son to rescue you for him.

Do: List any movies or books you can think of about a long-awaited chosen one sent to save the world. Or at least notice how that story meshes with the gospel next time you see it in another story.