Good morning everyone:
“This will be simple,” I thought. “I can handle it,” I told myself as I pulled the new car stereo system out of its packaging and looked over the wiring diagram. A couple of hours later, with the car dashboard opened up and a confusing array of disconnected wires of various colors dangling down, I realized I was definitely in over my head. I knew I didn’t have the knowledge and skill to complete the job. About that time an electrician friend from down the street came by, saw my predicament, stepped in and took over. Within a half hour he had my mess cleaned up and the stereo installed and working perfectly. What a relief!
What a relief it is when we’re in over our head to have someone step in and take over. That’s just what Jesus did. We were in over our head with sin. God’s law is clear and concise: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law” (Gal. 3:10). David confessed what we all know: “My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear” (Ps. 38:4). Jesus did not come merely to say, “Here’s what you need to do to be right with God. Follow my example.” We couldn’t do it. As people born dead in sin, it’s beyond our capability to be holy. Jesus came to step in, take over, and keep God’s law flawlessly in our stead. He came to step in, take over, and offer Himself as the atoning sacrifice for all sin.
In over your head today? Are you facing a problem or confusion for which you don’t have the answer? Do you have a need which You can’t fulfill, a burden you can’t shoulder, guilt you don’t know what to do with? Jesus still comes to step in and take over. Look to His Word. He promises: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). What a relief!
Tomorrow’s sermon text (Matt. 3:13-17) is the account of how Jesus stepped into our place at His baptism and began His public ministry which would end at the cross and the triumph of the empty tomb.
The new activity committee will meet after second service to take down the tree and other Christmas decorations.
See you tomorrow,
Pastor
