The greatest gift of all!
In my devotion yesterday James stirred me to think of all the gifts my Heavenly Father has given. Those gifts, (he said) are good and perfect. …It brings to mind the line of a hymn - “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” …Today in the following verse, James steers my mind to dwell on the greatest of all gifts my Father has given - verse 18:
James 1:18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
The birth he points us to is not the event that happened when we entered this world. It’s a spiritual birth that happens when the word of truth, (the gospel), is believed in the heart and confessed by the mouth. (Rom 10:9). …“You must be born again,” Jesus told Nicodemus - a man who came to the Lord searching for answers. (John 3:3).
The new birth is the greatest gift a Heavenly Father gives to His children! Why? …Because it brings eternal life. Whoever is born of the Spirit will be resurrected to eternal life after they die. It’s the gift of life itself - a never-ending life lived in the presence of Jesus.
I was born in the month of August some fifty six years ago, but I was born again through the word of truth in the month of April, thirty five years ago. That’s when I, as a sinful man heard the gospel and turned to Jesus asking Him to be my Saviour. It has been the single greatest gift in my life. I’m thankful for everything else I’ve received, but the gift of eternal life trumps them all.
…What about you? Have you received this gift from God. It’s the one He most wants you to have - more than the gift of health or a happy family, or anything that will fade with age in this life. The gift of eternal life to you is why God sent His Son Jesus into this world. (John 3:16). …Today you can receive the gift of life by inviting Jesus to be your Saviour. You might find it helpful to pray the words below.
Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner who deserves eternal punishment. I do believe You paid my penalty by Your death on the cross. So right now I invite you to be my Saviour and Lord and to take residence in my life. Thank you for hearing my prayer and indwelling my life. Amen!