Simply Amazing!

What are the things that you consider simply amazing?

The birth of a baby is in second place on my list of things that are simply amazing. From the moment their lungs expand to take the first breath to the maturation of healthy growth and development into an adult, the structure and function of the human body are unprecedented. This phenomenal life-cycle is not possible without God, our Creator, who is first and foremost on my list of simply amazing!

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. … Genesis 1:26

Within the creation story is a concept that most individuals fail to recognize: God knew that humanity would give in to their desires and eat the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Because God is Omniscient, He was fully aware of the transgressions that every human being would commit against their Creator. From Adam and Eve to the present human race, we consciously and willfully sin against our Heavenly Father.

For a moment, let’s imagine the conversation between God and Jesus?

“You know, Son, if I create humans, they will disobey, sin against us, and seek to satisfy their sinful desires. Since all will sin, it will take someone sinless to redeem them, and that means someone has to die?” Yes, Father, I am aware of what they will do; still, I am willing to die for them because many will accept our Plan of Salvation and strive to live holy and sinless lives.” (Please note this is only a writer’s rendition.)

The concept of God agreeing to give His Son, Jesus Christ, who has always been sinless, to become subservient, suffer, and die on a cross used for criminals is simply amazing. Even so, there is more that is required to bring “The Plan” into fruition. Let us think about the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who surrendered His Divinity and was born a babe in a manger among animals.

Do you think that you are experiencing severe trials and tribulations? But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” Matthew 8:20. The Son of God had no home and depended on others’ kindness and generosity to provide food and shelter. Many times Jesus slept outside and did not have the convenience of a sleeping bag or tent. He also was required to flee for His life many times during the 33 years of His experience on earth. Who of us can say that we have followed in the footsteps of Jesus?

Why did the Religious Leaders want Jesus Dead?

1. The claims that He made including that He was the Son of God.
2. The deeds that He did to heal physical illnesses and minister messages of hope and eternal life. 
3. His threat to their religious system that was focused on outward achievements. 
4. His threat to their way of life which included segregation based on ethnicity and social and economic status.
5. The undesirable and oppressed individuals with whom He socialized and taught that all things are possible with faith in God.  
6. The lack of respect He had for their legalistic and hypocritical religious traditions.
7. The exposure of their religious leader’s secret sins and immoral practices.

Yes, these are only a few things mentioned in the New Testament that outraged the religious rulers. Consequently, they wanted to see Jesus dead. History is repeating itself. Many are angry at God because of our current situation, the loss of income, shattered future dreams and goals, division based on race and ethnicity, and the increasing number of restrictions to keep humanity safe from disease.

Regardless of the diseases, the political, and civil unrests that dominate our global environment, we must defer to David’s question in the Book of Psalms:

What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Psalm 8:4

Without merit, we received the blessing of a new day, complete with God’s Grace and Mercy. We can pray at any moment throughout the day or night to our God, who promises to take care of us even unto the end of the world. The Bible fully reveals God’s character and the future plans He has for those who serve Him.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going away to prepare a place for you?… John 14:1-2

For the Lord, himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Our tribulations will only last for a little while longer. But until then, determine to always look at your life as a blessing. Live with a spirit of gratitude and depend on the Godhead–God the Father, Jesus His Son, and the Holy Spirit, It is then that you will view life through spiritual eyes and proclaim that our Spiritual Team is “Simply Amazing!”

Bible Readings: Isaiah 42, Revelation 21-22

God, we thank you for being simply amazing! We pray for forgiveness for not appreciating your gifts of grace and mercy. Thank you for the Plan of Salvation and thank you for giving us the promise that you will never leave us or forsake us. Please provide us with your help to make it through until your Son, Jesus comes again. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the written permission of the author.