Father-like, Christ tends and spares us. Well our feeble frame He knows. In His hands He gently bears us, rescues us from all our foes. Praise Him as widely as His mercy goes. (from hymn by Henry Lyte)
A Hidden Treasure
In 2021, a small bowl was bought for just $35 at a yard sale in Connecticut. It turned out to be a rare 15th-Century Chinese artifact worth up to $500,000. It is may be one of only seven such bowls in existence and most of the others are in museums. An appraiser said: “It’s always astounding to think that these treasures can still be discovered. It’s really exciting when something we didn’t even know existed here appears seemingly out of nowhere.
Jesus Christ is the King of the kingdom of heaven. He is the treasure and the pearl of great value in Matthew 13:44-46. God the Father gives Jesus freely to whoever repents of their sins and trusts in Christ. Jesus’ great value was hidden behind His human ordinariness when He was born in a stable, lived on earth, and was crucified on Calvary’s cross.
Christ is the Risen King
Jesus didn’t remain in the grave. After three days, He rose from the tomb and was seen my hundreds of witnesses over 40 days! Christ’s resurrection proved that He was always 100% God and 100% human in one person.
Dying you destroyed our death.
Rising you restored our life.
Lord Jesus, come in glory.
Pastor Tim Keller (1950-2023) said: “If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that He said. If He didn’t rise from the dead, then why worry about what He said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like Christ’s teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead.” Let’s not be sidetracked by secondary issues, but keep our focus on God’s saving love and the fullest expression of that in Jesus dying for our sins and rising from the grave.
If you missed it, you can go back and read Christ: His Wonderful Names (Part 1)
Footnote numbering continues where Part 1 left off.
Quick Review: The whole Bible is filled with the names and titles of our Lord Jesus to tell us all He is (His person) and all He does (His works). Studying Christ is not just an academic exercise. It is like oxygen to our souls. Jesus said: I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). Here is a sample of Christ’s names, using various translations. Please read them aloud and punctuate your reading with praise and prayer to the Lord.
Christ is the Maker and Master of the planets, stars, and all creatures great and small.48 He sustains and upholds us and all things by His powerful word.49 He is the great Physician who heals the spiritually sick and dying.50 He is our great High Priest, who intercedes for us right now at the Father’s side and His prayers always get answered.51 Even if Satan sifts us like wheat, Jesus prays that our faith not fail. So that when we turn back to Christ, we strengthen our brothers and sisters.52
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
Jesus is our Prophet, Rabbi, and Teacher.53 His words are not idle words—they are our life!54 His words are sweet to our taste, sweeter than honey!55 All His words are true. All His righteous laws are eternal.56 His words are flawless, honest, trustworthy, comforting, consoling, sanctifying. His words are spirit and life.57 Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.58
Jesus is our strong Ransomer and Redeemer.59 He is the Resurrection and the Life. Believe in Him and though you die, you will live!60 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. I myself will see Him with my own eyes. How my heart yearns within me!61
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
Christ is our Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer, our Strength, Shield, Savior, and Stronghold. We call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and we are saved from our enemies.62 He’s the Chief Shepherd, Good and Great,63 who lays down His life for His sheep, and takes it up again!64 He effectually calls His people by name so that we follow Him.65 Christ is Shiloh who gives us God’s all surpassing peace, guarding our hearts and minds.66
Jesus is the Son of Man, coming back soon. He has all authority, glory, and sovereign power. People of every race, nation, and language will obey Him. His rule is eternal. It will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.67 Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Him.68 He’s our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.69 He is the Word with God, the Word who is God, the Word who became flesh and dwelt, lived, tabernacled, made His home among us for a time.70 Christ understands us better than we understand ourselves.
Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as His love; Alleluia!
Praise Him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Alleluia!
Christ says: “Yes, I am coming back soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.71
Angels, help us to adore Him. You behold Him face to face. Sun and moon, bow down before Him, dwellers all in time and space. Praise with us the God of grace. (from hymn by Henry Lyte)
Notes: 48 Psalm 121:2; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2; Rev 3:14; John 1:3. 49 Heb 1:3. 50 Matt 9:12-13; Luke 4:23; Exodus 15:26; 3 John 2. 51 Heb 3:1, 4:14-16, 7:23-28. 52 Luke 22:31-32. 53 Acts 3:22-23; John 1:38; Matt 26:25; John 20:16; Matt 26:18; John 3:2, 11:28; Luke 9:35. 54 Deut 32:47. 55 Psalm 119:103. 56 Psalm 119:160. 57 John 6:63. 58 John 6:68-69. 59 Job 19:25; Psalm 19:14; Jer 50:34; Matt 20:28; 1 Tim 2:6; Heb 9:15. 60 John 11:25. 61 Job 19:25-27. 62 Psalm 18:1-3. 63 John 10:1-30; Heb 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4; Psalm 23. 64 John 10:17-18. 65 John 10:27. 66 Gen 49:10; Phil 4:7. 67 Daniel 7:13-14. 68 John 14:6. 69 Isaiah 9:6. 70 John 1:1,14. 71 Rev 22:20-21.