You are Here for a Reason
Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? “Father, save me from this hour”? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name. John 12:27-28
The greatest example of someone being placed at a specific place, at a specific time, for a specific purpose, is that of Jesus. As soon as mankind (Adam and Eve) rebelled and separated themselves from God, God put into play His plan to return them to His kingdom. Throughout the Old Testament, He laid out the details of His plan of sending a Savior – both true God and true man. He foretold where the Messiah would be born and to whom He would be born (a virgin, descendant of David). God, through the Old Testament prophets, described the Messiah’s life leading up to and including His death as satisfaction for the sins of the world. Jesus’ resurrection was also foretold, which would be proof that the world had truly been redeemed.
Jesus’ humanity was especially shown while praying at the Garden of Gethsemane: “And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44). As true man, He did not desire the coming trial, beatings and crucifixion. Yet, as also true God, He understood “for this purpose I came to this hour.”
How blessed we are that Christ fulfilled all of the prophecies, showing without a doubt that He was the promised Messiah. How blessed we are that Christ understood His purpose and willingly carried it out for the salvation of mankind. How blessed we are that “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Let us share this good news with others!
Dear Lord, to Thy true servants give
the grace to Thee alone to live.
Once bound by sin, but saved by Thee,
They go to set the pris’ners free.
The Gospel message to proclaim
that man may call upon Thy Name.
The Lutheran Hymnal 482:1