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PERFECTION
We all strive for it, but few of us attain it. In our
families, in our jobs, in our school work, and in our Christian
life, we attempt to follow the rules, do the tasks, and live as
perfectly as possible. We are called forth in scripture to live a
“holy life acceptable to the Lord.” We are commanded to be
perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect, but we fail. When
we fall short, some of us try harder, some of us lose heart, some of
us become critical, not only of ourselves but others. So it
goes without saying: Thank God for Jesus Christ. Jesus was the
perfect one. He is our perfection. God’s forgiveness and grace
is through Jesus Christ. Through Him we are seen as
perfect.
No
other character in human history or literature compares with the
Jesus set forth in the New Testament. He differs from all in
birth, life, works, death, resurrection, and ascension. While His
humanity is visible, His unique perfection is inescapable.
That the New Testament person named Jesus demonstrated perfection is
the verdict of history. Jesus stands as the central
personality in the Christian faith. Though many may venerate Mary
and crown Peter with sainthood, they worship on Jesus. Though Paul
deserves honor as the church’s greatest Christian missionary
statesman, that apostle crowns Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
Persons, doctrines, and institutions in and out of Christendom
acknowledge that Jesus stands preeminent in His perfection.
Two
statements by extremely opposite individuals illuminate the amazing
mystery in the facts of Jesus’ brief life. Napoleon declared,
“Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and I myself have founded empires:
but upon what do these creations of our genius depend? Upon
force. Jesus alone founded His empire upon love, and to this very
day millions would die for Him.”
In
striking contrast, the godly monk Fenelon said, “Jesus Christ was
born in a stable. He was obliged to flee into Egypt.
Thirty years of His life were spent in a work- shop. He suffered
hunger, thirst, and weariness. He was poor, despised, and
miserable. He taught the doctrines of heaven, and no one would
listen. The greatest and the wise persecuted and took Him, subjected
Him to frightful torments, and put Him to death between two
malefactors—such was the life which our Lord chose.”
An
unknown author has given this summary of Jesus’ place in history:
“Christ was placed midmost in the world’s history, and in that
central position. He towers like some vast mountain to
heaven—the farther slope stretching backward toward the creation,
the hither slope toward the consummation of all things. The ages
before Him look to Him with prophetic gaze; the ages since, behold
Him by historic faith. By both He is seen in common as the
brightness of the Father’s glory, and the unspeakable gift of God to
the race.”
The
fact that the New Testament writers portrayed Jesus as perfection is
indisputable. And Jesus’ perfection is so unique that time has
produced no competitor.
Thanks be to God. Jesus is our salvation. He is our example.
He is our representative before God. We do not have to be
perfect in all things—only faithful.
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