Crazy!

I was reading a devotional today called "31 Days of Praise" by Ruth Myers.  I love this little book.  It takes us through 31 days of worship and praise for our God, extoling and acclaiming His glory, virtue and Presence.  It focuses my heart on His goodness, His greatness and His amazing grace.  Today's reading (and I've read it many, many times over the years), struck a chord in my heart that caused me to stop and listen for a while.  

"Thank You, Father, that You so loved the world that You gave Your one and only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ...that when the time had fully come, He wrapped Himself in human form, being born as a helpless baby in a poor family.  Thank You that He walked here on earth radiating the brightness of your glory and flawlessly expressing Your nature...and so, through Him, people saw You in action, involved with them, available to meet their needs."  These words started off today's devotions.

Stop and rest here for a second.  Think about this.  Think about the God of the Old Testament.   The God who spoke to Moses from a burning bush.  Led the infant nation of Israel by a pillar of smoke and fire.  He shook mountains, and no one could see His face.  The High Priest could only go before Him once a year and then only through much ritual and cleansing.  Isaiah declared chapter 6:5 "Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”  This God was unapproachable by people.  Present and active, but awesome and terrifying.  His love came through His holiness and fearful Presence, we see His tender care, but He didn't walk among His people.    They couldn't come before Him and fellowship.  

Jesus, on the other hand, came down from Heaven's glories into the dust and dirt and walked with His creation.  He laughed, He cried, He ate, He drank.  He walked and slept and touched.  He came to be with us, as one of us, except without sin.  Is this amazing or what?!?!    This beyond imaging holy, fearsome God came down and walked beside men and women of earth.  He came down to help and heal and love and save.  Thinking about this is blowing my mind and making my heart flutter.  Who does this?  Do the kings of the earth come out of their palaces and walk among their subjects, offer their friendship to "commoners," eat and drink among the masses?  No!  Only our wonderful God does that. 

Lord, You never cease to amaze and cause wonder.  You take something that we know, that we are familiar with and light it up in our hearts.   Thank You.  Thank You for coming.  Thank You for being who You are.  Thank You for loving me and all mankind and for coming down in the most unexpected, crazy way to save us.  You are awesome!  

Think about his today.