Lost in the narrative of God’s might and power is the vulnerability that the Eternal God assumed when He came to this earth. Unlike many other creatures an infant child cannot survive on its own. Newborns must be cared for, fed, clothed, and nurtured. The position in which He put Himself is an immediate insight into His nature. Jesus, God in flesh, could not have survived without Joseph and Mary. While it is true that He is the Lion of Judah, it is also true that He began as a vulnerable Lamb.
The prophets often wrote of His authority and power. The Jewish people even looked for a great conqueror to overthrow the Roman Empire, but when He came, He came vulnerable and meek. His nature is clouded in the minds of people even to this day; they see Him as omnipotent and thundering; both of which are true. Yet Jesus is also tender and of great mercy. He is like unto a gentlemen who is gracious and caring. He stands and knocks. He does not burst through closed doors. Jesus is long-suffering and patient with people; reaching and touching even the unwanted among humanity. Yes, He has justice and judgement in His mighty hand, but those same hands have nail prints that speak of forgiveness and love. Matthew records Him in this way: Mat12:20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench…” The weaver knows that a bent reed is useless. The candle maker knows that a smoking flax has little to no ability to reignite. But the nature of Jesus will not break of a bruised reed. His nature will not pinch off the possibility of the flame. His mercy is always new. His grace is beyond the telling. He came innocent and helpless and He understands our limitations because He embraced who we are in the same way. Emmanuel. God with us and like us, to save us.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole