Who can resemble our Lord Jesus Christ, the loving God and true King? “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4), stated the evangelist about the Logos of God. Mankind did not comprehend that the greatest gift of love is life, and the greatest gift in life is love. For your precious life, He descended, not just to earth, for He is her creator, but He took upon Himself the flesh of His creation, which was made from the dust of the earth. He is our Creator and our Healer. There is no god that can compare. There is no god that cares like our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no plausible god that can even come close.
The Prophet Isaiah foretold the description of a most unique “Servant”. He describes Jesus Christ, the humble and tender-hearted Servant who submitted to God’s will, pleased Him, accomplished His work, and glorified Him. The Apostle Peter declared to the Jews that Christ is indeed that Servant: “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go” (Acts 3:13). This Servant of the Lord suffered greatly at the hands of those whom He went to serve. “I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6). Yet, His suffering and death was for our healing. He liberated the human race while He was nailed to the cross. He was victorious in His death and glorious in His resurrection. Having completed His mission of redemption and salvation, He ascended valiantly and will return to us joyfully.
It is strange that many people have developed bizarre concepts of a god whom they fabricated, deities with supernatural powers, and sages with empty promises. Fables and fairy tales have captured their intellect and stirred madness into their hearts so that they reject the truth vehemently. Our God lives forever. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His holy Resurrection is our new dawn that breaks through the darkness of sin and delivers those who live according to the deceived and ensnared worldly standards. He promised us life, for He is the Author of life. This life is the light of men. He gave us life and His Resurrection is the light that shone forth to free us from Satan’s clutches. The Devil roars and gnaws trying to snatch as many souls as he can to share in the misery of his eternal damnation. On the contrary, the children of God rejoice in salvation for we know that we are bought with the precious blood of Christ Jesus in the joy of eternal life with Him.
Wars, persecutions, hatred, and corruption will continue to exist in the world around us, but these can never rule our hearts. Thus, fill your heart with God and enjoy His presence in your life. Let us follow the true Servant of God and be thankful for His love and tender mercies. May the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection be the source of joy, blessings, and strength in your daily life and always.
God bless you.
___
His Grace Bishop Youssef is Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States (www.suscopts.org).
Watani International
24 April 2022
Discussion about this post