Gabriel told Mary that the holy one to be born would be called the Son of God. Can that be true? Absolutely! Through the eyewitness testimony of God Himself, Jesus’ own self-designation, the testimony of both friend and foe, and countless miraculous works, Jesus proved himself to be the incarnate Son of God. And here’s the kicker: we are called to be sons and daughters of God as well! When we believe and receive Jesus as Savior and Lord, we become children of God.
What does it mean for the Lord to be our Shepherd? According to David in Psalm 23, it means that we shall never be in want of anything. We will be made to slow down, quiet down, and sit down. Our souls will be restored and whole, like they were designed to be from the beginning. We shall not fear evil or death – no matter what we’re facing. Many of us know the Psalm… Let’s make sure we know the Shepherd.
The Christian life is meant to be full of fellowship… of sharing with and sharpening one another. The first-century church knew that and practiced it every day. If we do what they did, would God do what He did among us?
In Mark 8:34-35, Jesus gives clear instructions as to what will be required for anyone who wants to follow Him and be one of His disciples. Learn what it means to deny yourself and take up your cross in the daily flow of life in our modern day world.