God designed us with a free spirit. With that design comes a need to know about or be in some form control of our circumstances. It's no surprise to God when we fight His will or question His plans. It's part of His design. His desire is that we choose to follow His will always. Unfortunately, that is incredibly difficult for us on a daily basis due to our sin nature. Being the loving and gracious God that He is, He also designed a back-up plan for our wandering spirits.
This next verse of thanks confirms God's back-up plan. His plan for our redemption that we may each have the opportunity to ultimately be in His will. Let me fill you in on the story we're following here. The Christ child was born to His mortal parents; Joseph and Mary. He was just 8 days old when they brought Him to the temple to be named and circumcised, as was the custom according to the Law of Moses (Exodus 13:2, 12) and in keeping with the Law of the Lord that all firstborn males are to be consecrated to the Lord.
While at the temple the family of the divine child were encountered by two righteous and devout individuals; Simeon and Anna. Simeon blessed both the child Jesus and His parents. Anna, a prophetess who worshiped night and day, approached the family as well.
"Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem." Luke 2:38
Jerusalem is the holy city of God's chosen people; here it stands for Israel as a whole. Today it stands for all followers of Christ Jesus. God sent His Son down from heaven to be born as a humble, human child to become both God and man. His short life on earth was spotless, blameless and holy. Though he experienced all that a world broken by sin has to inflict; pain, hunger, sorrow, exhaustion, loss, temptation, and death, he knew and still knows our hardships and has a love and hope so incredibly deep for us that He also knows that we are capable of being redeemed by His merciful act on the cross.
Capable. It's not automatic. Not by being baptized, as some believe. Or by being brought up in a Christian home. Or by occasionally entering a church or reading a few chapters of the Bible. Not by simply knowing there is a god or even by knowing who Jesus is. Not because your dear, sweet grandmother prays for your soul every single day. Capable. We are capable of being redeemed by Christ's sacrificial blood on the cross.
So, how does one do that? Get redeemed? How do we confirm our reservation in God's Book of Life (Rev 20:12)? In my Bible study class we have something called "Steps to Assurance," it goes something like this:
To be sure about your relationship to Christ…
Know that God made you and keeps you. God has authority over your life, and you are responsible to reflect God. (see Psalm 100:3 & Acts 17:24-31)
Admit to yourself and to God that you are a sinner. You have ignored God and wanted to control your own life. You have disobeyed or disregarded God’s law. You have wanted to decide for yourself what is right and wrong. The consequences of your sin are physical and spiritual death because of God’s wrath toward you. (see Romans 3:10-12, Romans 3:20, Romans 3:23, James 2:10)
Confess your sins and, as much as possible, name them specifically. (see Psalm 139:23-24, 1 John 1:8-10)
Believe that Christ went to the Cross for you, taking your guilt upon Himself and enduring God’s judgment in your place. This means that God has forgiven your sins and you are justified (pardoned and cleared from guilt) in God’s sight. (see Isaiah 53:5-6, 1 Peter 2:24, Romans 5:8-9, John 5:24, John 14:6, Acts 4:12)
Believe that Christ rose from the dead, conquering sin and death, and that He ascended to the Father in heaven to reign as Lord. This means that Jesus is alive today to help you live a new life that is pleasing to God. (see Acts 2:22-24, 36, Romans 6:4, Acts 1:9-10, Ephesians 2:1-10)
Would you like to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior from sin and Lord of your life? If so, would you pray right now? Perhaps you would like to kneel and pray (Philippians 2:10). This position helps to give a sense of reverent nearness to God. You can pray aloud to Him with words from your heart, or you might want to pray this prayer:
O God, I know I have sinned. I have not obeyed your Word. I have tried to run my own life, ignoring you and your will for me. I have tried to decide for myself what is right and wrong. I know I deserve your wrath and punishment and that I am lost unless you save me. I thank you for sending the Lord Jesus Christ to pay for my sin and guilt. I thank you for raising Him from the dead and giving Him authority over my life. I receive Him as my Savior and Lord. I receive your free gift of eternal life in Christ. I will turn from my sinful life to serve you, my Creator and Redeemer.
Continue your prayer by telling God what you are thinking and feeling.
Trust (be assured) that having received Christ into your life, you are sealed with God’s Holy Spirit and stamped with God’s name on you. You may or may not “feel” different, but you don’t need to. Your trust is not based on your feelings but on the authority of the Word of God and His promises to you. (see John 1:12-13, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 1 John 5:12-13)
I'm thankful for simple courtesies like a phone call confirming my appointments. I'm overjoyed with thanksgiving for the confirmation of my redemption from sin and my place in heaven! Those intentional, personal-touch details that only take a moment but give you great comfort, security, and peace. Those pieces of communication that keep you on track and take away worry or anxiety. Perhaps, for you, it was receiving Christ as your Savior today. If you've honestly followed these "Steps to Assurance" your reservation is confirmed! I'll be so excited to meet you in heaven! Anna, the prophetess who was recorded in Luke for thanking God for her Redeemer will meet us there with songs of praise on her lips.
If you've just received Christ as your Savior, you will have the best Thanksgiving celebration ever! If you've been a believer for awhile, I hope you are reminded of the many things we have to be thankful for.
"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b
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