The Greatest Story...

As I drive to work each morning, I normally drive through downtown Decatur.

I always have WBGL…and many mornings I am praying as I drive to work, so I am oblivious to what is going on around me.

However, something has caught my eye the last several weeks!

Almost every morning I notice a particular gentleman as I am passing through downtown!

He is small in stature!

Almost frail looking!

Sometimes he is walking…or more accurately…shuffling along…

Sometimes he is sitting on the sidewalk…

Sometimes he is smoking a cigarette…

Sometimes he is alone…

Occasionally, I have seen him with a few other individuals…

But most mornings, he is by himself!

As I observe this gentleman each morning, I wonder…

What’s his story?

Is he homeless?

Does he have a family…friends?

He appears to be a man with very little.

Has his life always been like this…or did something tragic happen to bring him to this state?

And of course, all of these thoughts…ponderings arise from my very brief observation of this man as I drive past him!

But as I wonder about his story, I am reminded that each of us have story!

Our story might include an amazing childhood…surrounded by a loving family!

It might include times of feeling extremely lonely!

It might include a life filled with abundant successes!

It might include times of great trials and tribulations!

It might include dealing with great loss and heartache!

And probably, our stories include a combination of all of these things…both good and bad!

That’s life! 

But the greatest story that we will ever hear…the greatest story we can ever share…

Is the gospel of Jesus Christ!

It’s a story that touches hearts…changes lives…and if you believe…allows you to spend eternity in Heaven with our Heavenly Father!

Our story beings with a baby…Jesus…being born in a manager in the town of Bethlehem… (Luke 2:1-20)

Born to a virgin…conceived by the Holy Spirit… (Matthew 1:18)

The story continues as this baby grows into a young child…full of wisdom beyond his years… (Luke 2:41-47)

As you flip the pages of this amazing story, you are drawn in as you learn that this baby…this child continues to grow…and begins his ministry around the age of 30!

You learn that Jesus was tested by Satan in the wilderness, but did not give into temptation… (Matthew 4:1-11)

The next three years he taught...

Shared the good news with all who would listen as he traveled from one city to the next

Performed miracles…

All without ever sinning!

And as He grew in popularity, the religious leaders resented Him, so they plotted to kill him!

With the help of Judas Iscariot (one of Jesus’s disciples), Jesus was taken as prisoner!

He was beaten beyond recognition.

People spit upon him!

They called him names!

The placed a crown of thorns upon his head and hung him on the cross!

And after his painful death, he was wrapped in burial clothes, placed in a tomb, and then covered with a large stone

And though Roman guards kept watch, death could not defeat Jesus!

Three days later he rose, and today, HE sits at the right hand of God!

And the story doesn’t end there!

He’s coming back someday!

I don’t know any greater true story than this! 

I encourage you to read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John to truly hear every single detail of Jesus’ life!

I will never forget the day that I asked Jesus Christ into my heart as my Lord and Savior!

His story became a part of my story!

How?

Since that time, I have tried to walk through each day…leaning on Jesus…seeking His strength…praying for His guidance…peace…comfort…

I don’t want to make a decision…take a step…without first seeking Him!

I may not know the story of the gentleman that I see each morning, but I know Jesus’ story and how much it has impacted my life!

I have no greater joy than knowing Him and sharing His story!!

So, let me ask you…what’s your story?

Do you know Jesus?

If not, please look at the gospels…read the story of Jesus!!

I’m pretty sure it is the greatest story you will ever hear!

Dear Heavenly Father…thank you for allowing me…and others to hear your story!  Help us to share it with others!  I pray that others would listen with open hearts…ready to receive all that You have for them!