The World Needed A Heart Bypass

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. ” – John 3:16

Most of the people in the United States are at least familiar with the scripture reference. I heard an interesting take on the Christmas story this past Sunday. It was the fact that everyone in a position of religious, political, or cultural power was bypassed at the birth of Jesus. It was as if God saw that the world needed a heart bypass. (Coronary, or heart, bypass surgery is a procedure that restores blood flow to the heart muscle by diverting the flow of blood around a section of a blocked artery in the heart. The incarnation of the Son for the salvation of the world would not and was not received well by those in power and influence.

“Herod, seeing that he had been outwitted by the astrologers, flew into a great rage, and he sent out and had all the boys in Bethlehem and in all its districts killed, from two years of age and under, according to the time that he had carefully ascertained from the astrologers.” – Matthew 2:16

And so He chose a girl of no reputation or position and a manger used for livestock as the means and method to bypass the powerful and bless the world with the Gift of grace and mercy. The three wise men who sought Jesus out – following the Star – were not from Jerusalem – but from other lands with no interest in position and power in Bethlehem or Jerusalem. 

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

Once Jesus was grown – and began His ministry, ending in His death, he had to deal with those in power. He was seen as a threat by the “clogged artery” which would prevent Jesus from fulfilling His purpose by killing Him – but His death, in fact, fulfilled His purpose on earth.

“For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.” – Romans 6:10

Times have not changed – the blood in the hearts of sinful mankind runs cold toward God. Those in power still do not want anything to do with Jesus. They are blind guides, hungry for more. Repulsed and threatened at the thought of living for God. Christmas was a time to celebrate with birth of Christ and hope for the world. But the world has changed it into nothing more than a month long worship service honoring the world’s god – mammon.  Jesus is not welcome to the Christmas celebration  - even though it is His “birthday”. Imagine someone planning a birthday party for you and then telling you that you are not welcome to attend. The message is clear. 

Black Friday is aptly named – not because the stores accounts will be in the “black”, but that Christmas – for its original meaning and purpose is dead  - as far as the culture is concerned.  How about for you? What excites you about Christmas? Each of us must answer that in our own hearts – our actions will speak for themselves.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone