With so many tragedies that have occurred in the world lately there has also been a lot of talk about first responders. I have the utmost respect for those who put themselves in peril every day for their fellowman - from our troops serving in the military to all the policemen, firemen, and medical personnel.
These folks are called upon to work during all types of emergencies and at any time of the day or night. They are there to help, defend, rescue and save. That is the duty of these individuals and most of them take that duty very seriously. Many will volunteer to help in an emergency situation even when they are not officially on duty. That is because it is ingrained in their personality. It is literally who they are. And the world needs folks like this. I am thankful that God has given us people with these talents.
Have you ever thought of Jesus as a first responder? It seems kind of odd to look at it that way; but then again not really. Think about it. Jesus tells us that heaven was prepared for us before the foundation of the world. So that means that God's plan of salvation -- with Jesus as the Savior for mankind was in place before He ever created mankind!
Our God who knows all things and sees all things knew ahead of time that man would eventually sin. God, in conjunction with His Son and His Spirit, knew that man would need a Redeemer. We needed someone to lean on to help us through this world.
And Jesus was there. He would be -- He IS our helper. He promises to be with those who follow Him. He tells us He will abide in us if we abide in Him. (John 14:23) In John 15:7 - Jesus promises His followers: "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." I'm thinking we can't get much more help than that.
As sinners we would need - do need a defender, a Savior. If we are in Christ we belong to Him. He has bought us with His blood. Yet the devil is always out to get us. He is fighting for our souls; but if we are doing our best to follow God - then Christ Jesus will rush to our defense and claim us as His own. He will tell the Heavenly Father -"This is one of mine. The devil cannot have him."
Before the foundation of the world, it was known that we would need a rescuer. Again, Christ was right there. Christ was willing - is willing - to rescue us from the perils of temptation. He is our high priest and was tempted in all points like we were. So when we are tempted, he knows what we are going through. We will be provided with a way of escape. Our trust in Him will help us - rescue us -- not just from temptation but through the storms and trials of life. It is His love that brings us that peace that passes all understanding.
Finally, God - His Son and His Spirit knew that we (as man) would eventually sin. Adam and Eve were the first - but they are not and never will be the only humans to sin. Romans 3:23 says that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." So we would - we did -- we DO need someone to save us. The wonderful counselor, the Prince of Peace and King of Kings, Jesus Christ was there.
We all know Christ's precious blood has saved us from our sins. His death on the cross was so that we could be forgiven. He bought us with His blood and He built His church. We are baptized into His death, so that His blood can wash us white as snow. God loved us enough to give us His Son. Christ loved us enough to give us Himself.
After we become a Christian, we all know that I John tells us as long as we are walking in the light if we confess our sins, He will be faithful and just to forgive us of those sins. We have access to His mercy and grace. We must be faithful. We must hold fast to our faith.
Isn't it wonderful to think about the planning and preparation that was done before the foundation of the world? Isn't it great to know that Jesus promised us a mansion? You see Christ responded to the emergency. He said "I will do it." Before the world was ever made Jesus said - I will help them face life's challenges. I will defend them against the evil of satan. I will rescue them from the storms of their lives. I will know what it is like to live like them. I will defend them against the attacks from the devil and I will defend them and claim them as my own before my Father. I will die for them - and then conquer death to rise again - to save them from their sins.
You see Christ responded before any of us ever committed our first sin. He is the Supreme first responder. God gave us His Son - because He wanted everyone to be saved. (John 3:16) But it is our choice. To come to the Father, it has to be through Christ. So as Paul put in Ephesians 3:21 -- "Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages world without end. Amen"
And I say Amen!
Christ above all things,
Robin
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