GPS-Beautiful Savior

12 / Sunday Read  Psalm 27:4 / Colossians 1:15

Overview: We have been looking at (and blessed by) beautiful things this past Fall. But of all the beautiful blessings we see each day, nothing is more beautiful than Jesus and his love for us.

13 / Mon – Unexceptional appearance  |  Read Isaiah 53:2

Remember how terrified the Israelites were when God revealed Himself at Mt Sinai? Now it makes sense that He’d choose to enter our world as a baby. Who can be afraid of a sweet infant? When Jesus grew up and started preaching about the kingdom of God, he didn’t look any different from the people in his community. But his attitudes, the things he said, and the things he did were a beautiful demonstration of God’s love and purpose to save us. You don’t have to look beautiful to do beautiful things in His name. Where will you start first?

14 / Tue – A beautiful Savior  |  Read John 3:16-17 / Titus 3:4-7 NLT

The word savior means one who rescues or delivers. Jesus is called our Savior because he came to rescue us from the slavery of sin and take away the oppressor’s power over us. His end goal was to tear down the wall of separation sin had erected between us and a holy God, a wall we could not breach, so we would be able to live with Him forever. It cost him his life, but he willingly did what was necessary because he loved us that much. You can’t save anyone, but will you introduce others to this beautiful man who can?

15 / Wed – The real God shows up  |  Read Colossians 1:15 / John 14:9

Jesus came to save but also to reveal the real God, our heavenly Father. There have been – and continue to be – caricatures of God swirling around in the world. These weak, foolish, and fickle representations are a mockery of who God really is. Jesus came to set the record straight by revealing God’s character: His kindness, compassion, strength, resolve, purity, and sacrificial love that surpasses anything ever known before. Want to know God better? Take a closer look at Jesus.

16 / Thu – Beautiful scars  |  Read John 20:24-29

It wasn’t Jesus’ perfect features or a well-built frame that made him beautiful. It was his scars. When he was resurrected, the scars left by the crucifixion could have been erased, but they were not. He did not hide them but offered them as a permanent reminder of his incredible love. What about your scars? Are there stories behind the marks on your body or even your soul? How has God used them for His glory? Don’t be ashamed or try to hide them. They can give others hope.

17 / Fri – Beautiful smiles, compassionate eyes  |  Read John 8:12 / Matt 17:2 / Prov 15:30

Have you ever seen someone’s smile light up their face and they looked beautiful? Although Jesus was an ordinary-looking man, there was something in his gaze. He looked with compassion on hurting people and they were drawn to him. Even the disciples didn’t realize how beautiful Jesus was until he was transfigured before them. Will you allow his light and beauty to be reflected in your eyes? Give away your smiles, even to strangers. It can open a door for more.

18 / Sat – The real Jesus revealed  |  Read Isaiah 53:2 / Rev 19:11-16

Some people were disappointed by Jesus’ common looks and his refusal to mount a revolution to become king. The fact that he allowed himself to be arrested and crucified disillusioned many who had believed in him. So they walked away because they did not understand his purpose. However, this is not the way he will be remembered, weak and helpless before his enemies, but the complete opposite. In the end, you will see a fierce Warrior who fought for and gained your salvation. What is your response to this beautiful man, your Savior?