Why Jesus came

Life is a journey with a definite beginning and end. And if you’re wise, you’ll do what Enoch did for 300 years – he walked with God. Can you imagine how well you’d know God after spending all those years with Him? There’s nothing dull or boring about walking with God. The psalmist says, ‘You make known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence’ (Psalm 16:11 NIV). God made you for Himself, and only when you discover His purpose for your life will you find peace and joy. If you were to take a fish out of the ocean and place it on the beach, you’d see its scales dry up as it gasped for breath. Is that fish happy? No. Would it be happy if you covered it with a mountain of cash? No. Would an iPad, a good book, and a cool drink make it happy? No. Would a new wardrobe? No. Only one thing will make it happy: putting it back in the water. That fish will never be happy on the beach because it wasn’t made for the beach. It was made for the ocean like you were for fellowship with God. You’ll always feel like a fish out of water – never knowing peace and joy – until you find Him. And the good news is He’s as close to you as a prayer. Once you ask Him into your heart, you’ll never feel empty again. Do you know why Jesus came that first Christmas? He tells us: ‘So that [you] may have the full measure of my joy within’ (John 17:13 NIV).

Prayer Point

Father, I seek happiness in so many different places, people, and things, when the truth is I will only find true and lasting happiness in You. I pray I will always look to You as my first and best source of joy. Fill my heart and mind with Your presence and help me walk with You daily. I’m so blessed to call You my Friend, my Saviour, my Supporter, and my Father. Your love is beyond anything I could possibly imagine!

Merritt, James, How to Impact and Influence Others (Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 2002), 44-45.