December 13, 2023: Illuminating Word
- Liana V.
- Dec 13, 2023
- 2 min read
Illuminating Word
Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.”
Matthew 1:24- 25 NKJV
JESUS = YESHUA
CHRIST = MESSIAH
Jesus is the English interpretation of the greek word: Ἰησοῦς, which is pronounced “Yay-soos”.
Gabriel would have announced to Joseph in Hebrew the name of The Son:
““She will bear a son and you will call his name Yeshua [God is Salvation] because he will save My people from their sins”.”
Matthew 1:21 NMV
I don’t believe there is anything wrong with us calling Him Jesus, nor the Greeks Ἰησοῦς, or the Hebrews ישוע, Romans Yēšūaʿ. I actually believe it was all in God’s plan. We humans definitely have a knack of overthinking and over complicating things. Don’t we?
“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.”
Romans 10:12 NKJV
God’s plan was that Jesus would be Messiah to all people groups, that not one group would be left out. What a privilege to be amongst a people who know Jesus. Really! There are people groups thoughout the world who have never heard the name Jesus or Yeshua uttered. Isn’t that awful? Because the greatest gift we’ve ever been given is the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord.
That’s why it’s so important to invest into mission work taking the gospel to every people and the Bible being translated into every language on the planet.
What a privilege to have the Word of God in a language we understand. A gift, countless Christian’s died to protect. A gift still required to be smuggled into countries under penalty of death. And yet it sits dormant, unused, unmoved, and dusty on many shelves or nightstands. It’s in every hotel room drawer and next to every hospital bed. Clearly valuable, and often the greatest tool left unused.
I don’t think it’s weird- give your Bible a hug. Be grateful for God’s breath, His very presence in your hands. It's worth getting excited, thankful, and amazed about.
Prayer: Father, thank you for your wonder working word. Thank you for sharing the knowledge of Jesus Christ with me through the written gospels. I never want to take it for granted, let it go unread, and not applied to my life. I want to give this amazing gift away to someone who needs it. Please direct my eyes and my heart to who you call me to bless it to. Help me be readied and be prepared to be generous when the opportunity comes. In Jesus's name I pray- Amen!
Give a Bible away: I'm certain there is someone you know that doesn't have their own Bible. Maybe they have never opened one up to find the wondrous love and redemption amongst it's pages. Grab a copy of your favorite version. Write a special note or prayer on the inside.
If you want a fancy one:
I've always wanted a Hosanna Revival Bible-The Paris, Bend, and Iceland theme Bibles (actually all of them) are so beautiful.
Or, if you’re interested in partnering with a translation project for the 10/40 window I’ve included a couple below.
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