I Am Come

The seasonal reminder of the incarnation of the Son of God is perhaps best expressed by the words which came from the lips of the Saviour Himself. In the Gospel of John--that inspired portion unique for its revelation of "the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth"--three specific statements declare the authority, purpose, and blessings of His advent into the world His hands had made.

"I AM COME in My Father's Name" (5:43), expresses the authority for His mission. His works bore witness that He was sent by the Father (5:36). His power to bestow life to those to whom He would, so definitely showed His equality with the Father that John writes, "He that honoreth not the Son, honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him" (5:23). In fact, the "I Am" He often uses in reference to Himself in this Gospel is none other than His Name Jehovah--the Self-Existent One, the eternal "I Am" revealed in the Old Testament. This is confirmed by His New Testament name of "Jesus," which means "Jehovah Saviour." Do you know Him as such?

"I AM COME that they might have life" (10:10) reveals the purpose for which He came. Could there be any nobler motive than that the Son of God should Himself undertake the work which alone could give eternal life to sinful men, dead in trespasses and sins? His immeasurable love is manifested in the character He assumes: "I Am the Good Shepherd, the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep" (10:11). He willingly died as a substitute for sinners and is now risen from the dead. Those who hear His voice and believe on Him become one of His sheep, receive the eternal life He imparts, and follow Him. He says: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead [spiritually dead] shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live" (5:25). Have you heard His voice, and received His life eternal?

"I AM COME a Light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness" (12:46) declares the means whereby eternal blessings are received. "Whosoever believeth on Me" makes Him available to all. To believe on Him is to repent of one's sins before God and to trust the death of Jesus, the Saviour, as full payment for those sins. The only condition imposed is faith, or trust, in Him alone. The only way to escape eternal blackness of darkness forever is to simply receive the light of truth which is in Himself alone, and revealed in His precious Word.

But not only has the Saviour declared His authority, purpose and means of appropriating the blessings of His first advent many years ago, He has also proclaimed, "I will come again"! (14:1-3). This promise, made to His own before the Cross, is nearing the time of its certain fulfillment. One is ready for this glorious event, which may take place at any moment, only if he has received the Son of God as his personal Saviour. Have you done so? If not, I urge you to accept Him NOW by simple faith before He comes again ending all opportunity for your salvation. If you do, you will know as never before, not only the true blessedness of the season, but of an eternity of life and light in the Father's house above.

--D.T.J. from Moments With The Book

Jesus, my Saviour to Bethlehem came,
Born in a manger to sorrow and shame;
Oh, it was wonderful! Blest be His Name!
Seeking for me, for me!