The New Year - Pt. 5

 

[Jesus said] “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:40-42 ESV).

 

Think about the events that surrounded Jesus’ birth. These events give us great insight into how we may navigate the New Year. Remember, Jesus’ birth and life doesn't fit our definitions of royalty. Poverty, scorn, gossip, even murder surround Jesus' birth. All these events hint that the way of the Christmas child leads to the greatest of all events: the cross and ultimate resurrection. Jesus' death on the cross would cast a long shadow back upon the manger in Bethlehem, yet it is the only way to see the great gift of eternal life.

 

In our reading today we see how Jesus’ life would live on in the lives of His followers. What makes the Christian faith different from all other religions is that it proclaims the good news of the cross. The Christian faith has the boldness to declare that through His death the world was reconciled to God. And the Christian faith has the audacity to declare that those who are Jesus' disciples should take up the cross of discipleship. Suffering is not only redemptive in the life of Jesus. It is redemptive in our own lives as well. Jesus will use our sufferings to establish his kingdom, witness to his gospel, and work greater holiness in our personal lives.

 

During the coming days of this New Year be intentional about how you face each part of your journey. Following Jesus will not always be a pleasant stroll down a shady path. There may be times that seem rocky and steep. During those times, remember His promise to every believer. You will in no way lose your “reward.” Your good is guaranteed and secured by His work on the cross and in His resurrection from the dead!