Underestimating Jesus
A remnant of humanity bows the knee and confesses Jesus Christ is Lord of all (Phil 2:11). There is a serious lack of respect by the rest. Underestimating Jesus Christ was problematic during His earthly ministry, and even after He was raised from the dead, ascended into heaven, and enthroned to rule and reign over heaven and earth (Mt 28:18; Rev 7:17). Today, He remains despised and rejected of men (Is 53:3).
It is pathetic for people to disregard the only Sovereign (1 Tim 6:15). Of course, the Son of God is unmoved by the impudence of sinners (Ps 2:4). Absolutely nothing is altered in the predetermined plan of God (Acts 2:23). God does all His holy will (Eph 1:11), in accordance with His eternal purpose, which He carried out in Christ Jesus, our Lord (Eph 3:11).
God has given us His Word, but people are too busy, too distracted, too disinterested to read God’s assessment of humanity (Gen 6:5; Is 64:6; Jer 17:9; Rom 1:18–31; 3:10–12, 23; 6:23; Eph 2:1–3, 12). People are eating, drinking, being merry and being married. They attend funerals where the great majority of those appointed to die, have passed through judgment and now occupy eternal hell (Mt 18:9). No one speaks of these matters, out of respect for the damned. It is ironic that Jesus gets so little respect, while vile criminals in fiery torment are told to “rest in peace.”
Men perish for lack of knowledge. Do they know that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Tim 6:15). Do they know that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Jesus (Mt 28:18)? Do they know Jesus is coming again to judge the living and the dead (Acts 10:42; 17:31; 2 Tim 4:1; 1 Pet 4:5)?
Because there is a significant knowledge gap, men of God labor to preach Jesus Christ, the only Savior of sinners (Titus 1:3; 2:13; 3:6). They proclaim the only way of salvation (Jn 3:16; 14:6). They teach the Word of God, so that others may examine their own selves in the mirror of Holy Scripture (2 Cor 13:5). Thus, the preacher with beautiful feet (Rom 10:15), sent to you, is a merciful act of God. How well do you receive him?
When the preacher tells you the truth about your sin and the wrath of God directed at you (Rom 1:18; 3:23; 6:23), it is very telling. People are exposed for who they really are when they are confronted by the Law of God (Ex 20; Dt 5). If God is being gracious to them, they will experience the conviction of sin and desire deliverance (Acts 11:18). If there is no grace to save them (Eph 2:8–9), the Word of God will only harden their hearts (Ex 8:15).
For one to respond appropriately to the Spirit and the Word is fully man’s responsibility. Their problem is stated in Romans 8:7, “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be.” In other words, people are helpless (Rom 5:6), in the futility of their minds (Eph 4:17), with deceitful, wicked hearts (Jer 17:9), only doing evil all the time (Gen 6:5). They will never choose salvation for themselves (Jn 1:12–13). God, alone, is glorified in that work (Ps 21:5; Titus 3:5).
Friend, if you underestimate Jesus’ authority and obligation to judge the world unto its ultimate destruction (2 Pet 3:10–12), then you will neglect His omnipotent ability to save your soul (Jas 1:21). Jesus Christ is the only source of eternal salvation (Heb 5:9). Therefore, He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (Heb 7:25).
Valuing the person and work of Jesus Christ is crucial. Your estimation of Jesus will only increase with your exposure to the knowledge of Him. The world you love, will begin to look very different, as you grow in grace and knowledge of the truth. Jesus Christ is the truth (Jn 14:6). The truth, as it is in Him (Eph 4:21), is what sets people free (Jn 8:32) from slavery to sin (Jn 8:34).
Jesus Christ chooses to save His followers out of the world (Jn 15:16, 19), by choosing to reveal God the Father to them (Mt 11:27). Knowing God is your salvation, and being known by Him, ensures you will know Him, by knowing Jesus Christ (Jn 17:3). This is why the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, “For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified (1 Cor 2:2).”
The bad news, made so prevalent by today’s media, exposes us to the vile realities of man’s total depravity (Gen 6:5; Rom 3:10–12). It is the devil’s work to blind you from hearing, reading, knowing, and believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 4:4).
Satan invites you to the buffet of false salvation. There, you can choose a new car, a new spouse, a dream vacation, or a new video game that promises to save you from a mundane life of insignificance, void of meaning and pleasure. Then, one day you die, and then you will understand, as did the people in Noah’s generation, when the flood came upon them (Mt 24:39).
All this time, wallowing in the things that never brought you satisfaction, you have underestimated Jesus. You have neglected to look at His beauty. You have denied yourself sweet fellowship with Him. He has called you to come to Him for help, hope, and comfort (Mt 11:28; Acts 17:30). His Word is filled with promises, and He is faithful and true to give you the life that impostors can only cheaply imitate (Rev 19:11).
While it is yet called, “Today” I pray you re-evaluate your underestimation of Jesus. Acknowledge how little you really know of Him, who sits enthroned in the glory of heaven (Heb 1:3, 8:1; Rev 7:17), as the God-man, waiting to come again to judge this world that continues in rebellion against Him (Mt 24–25; Mk 13; Lk 21).
Finally, remember that Jesus will not disappoint you (Rom 9:33; 10:11; 1 Pet 2:6), as you come and learn of Him (Jn 6:45). Believe Him, and your estimation of Him will go through the roof…all the way to heaven.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
July 16, 2022
