The truth of Christ’s dual nature—His unblemished deity and His complete humanity—is vitally important theologically, but it’s crucial in a practical sense as well. When I feel tempted to shake a fist at the heavens or wonder if God is being cruelly indifferent while I suffer down here on earth, John’s gospel reminds me of an important truth. When Adam brought sin into the world, and death with sin (Rom. 5:12), the Lord could have incinerated the world as just punishment and He would have been no less holy or righteous. But He didn’t. Furthermore, when we sin—as individuals and collectively as humans—God has every right to turn His back and say, “Fine. Run the world your way. The mess you make of it is yours to bear.” But He doesn’t.
On the contrary, the Creator voluntarily became one of us in the person of Jesus Christ, who suffered as we suffer, who was tempted as we are tempted, and who endured injustice as we will never know—yet without sin. I am comforted to know that God understands and empathizes. Through His incarnation, we can appreciate His compassion more fully. Because he lived and died as a man, we can more easily accept that, in His resurrection, the Son is for us even while we feel abandoned, mistreated, or punished by God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:14
Read more from Chuck Swindoll at www.SwindollInsights.com
About Charles Swindoll
Charles R. Swindoll has devoted his life to the clear, practical teaching and application of God's Word. He currently pastors Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, and serves as the chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary. His renowned Insight for Living radio program airs around the world. Chuck and Cynthia, his partner in life and ministry, have four grown children and ten grandchildren.
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