He Shall Be Great

Gabriel told Mary regarding Jesus… “He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give to Him the throne of His father David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His Kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 2:32,33).

There are a few historical figures who were called “great” by our world. Alexander the Great was honored because of his brilliant military strategies, yet he warred simply because he coveted the riches of Persia. Herod the Great was king of Judea at the time of Jesus’ birth. He was only known for his great evil.

Jesus is far above all earthly kings. As King of Heaven, His military strategy is to save as many lives as possible, not take them. His character is spotless and always described in the superlative. He isn’t just kind, He has “marvelous loving-kindness.” His mercies are “tender mercies”. He gives more than mere hope, it’s “blessed hope.” The peace He gives, “passes all understanding.”  His joy is “everlasting joy.” And His love? It's “better than wine and stronger than death.” Jesus defeated death, offers everlasting life to all who trust Him, and is returning to judge the world in righteousness. That's true greatness! 

Multitudes from all over the world have been saved by His blood, set free with His truth, and lifted from the depths of sin to become part of His royal family. They all testify… “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable” (Psalm 145:3). And as we watch antisemitic and antichristian hatred rising again, we fix our eyes and hearts on Him who is called “our Great God and Savior,” and the great things about to happen next.

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)