Letters From Grandpa #519

• LETTERS FROM GRANPA
• 519

Dearest grandchild,

Today’s letter will be about Jesus. He is described by Paul as “The image of the invisible God.” (Colossians 1:15) The Greek word translate as “image” is “eikon” from which we get our English word “icon”. An “icon” as you know, is that little “image” on a computer screen. When you “click” on that “icon” you can open up a program in your computer. This is beautiful! When you “click” on Jesus, you get God.

God is invisible! John wrote: “No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.” (John 1:18). The Greek word translated as “made him known” is “exegeomai” from, which we get our English word “exegete.” An “exegetical” sermon is one that merely explains the text. How beautiful! Even though we cannot see God, Jesus explains Him. Paul described Jesus as “God manifest in the flesh.” (1 Timothy 3:16 kjv) Matthew wrote: His name is “Immanuel,” which means “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)

The software in your computer is invisible until you click on the icon. This information, however, is very real even though it has no physical substance or weight. Your computer weighs precisely the same no matter how much information is added or taken away. Just think how useless your computer would be, however, if you had no software.

God is also invisible, but very real. When you “click on Jesus,” our Infinite God becomes real to finite man. He can fill your life with power and productivity. This new “information” can literally transform your life. With God you will not only be a blessing to others, but your own life will also be filled with happiness and joy.

It is not necessary to understand everything about software in order to profit from it. Neither is it necessary to understand everything about God to profit from Him. It is necessary, however, to “click” on Jesus. In Jesus dwells all the fulness of the Godhead in a body (Colossians 2:9) Anyone can do this, even little children! Paul wrote: “But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 10:6-11)

Isn’t it interesting how easily little children adapt to computers. Perhaps you have heard the joke about the child who said: “This program is so simple that even my parents can understand it.” Little children often have the same fearless desire to experience God. While older people are confused and hesitant, children can readily “click on Jesus” and allow God to become real in their lives. Statisticians tell us that 83% of people become become Christians between the ages of 4 and 14. Jesus said to His disciples: “Except you be converted and become as little children you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3.)

The late Elton Trueblood said it like this: “Our religion is one which challenges the ordinary human standards by holding that the ideal of life is the spirit of a little child. We tend to glorify adulthood and wisdom and worldly prudence, but the Gospel reverses all this. The Gospel says that the inescapable condition of entrance into the divine fellowship is that we turn and become as a little child. As against our natural judgment we must become tender and full of wonder and unspoiled by the hard

skepticism on which we so often pride ourselves. But when we look into the heart of a child, willful as he may be, we are often ashamed. God has sent children into the world, not only to replenish it, but to serve as sacred reminders of something ineffably precious which we are always in danger of losing. The sacrament of childhood is thus a continuing revelation.”

The Scriptures list 7 things that are detestable to God and a proud look is at the top of the list (Proverbs 6:16-19). This is one way that children have an advantage over older folks. When a child is born it has absolutely no pride. Pride is something we learn from our parents. Too often, the older we get the more pride we have.

In order to receive Christ you must bury your pride, take up a cross, and be willing to suffer. You must come to the place where you are willing to be laughed at and become a public spectacle if necessary. Paul said it like this: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Paul explained to the philosophers on Mars Hill that God created from one man all the inhabitants of the whole earth “and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him, and perhaps reach out and find him though He is not far from each one of us.” (Acts 17:26-27)

If you will only “click on Jesus” God will become real to you! His power in you can accomplish more than you can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

I love you,

Grandpa Boyce