“I want to address a common misconception and stereotype.” My college English professor announced to our class. “I grew up in India and have lived in many cities. I can assure you, there is no poverty. Everything you see on television, in the movies, and in the media is simply made up.”

We all shifted uncomfortably in our chairs and glanced at one another, no one wishing to challenge her. It would be useless and frankly, fatal to our final grade if we dared challenge her assertion. Even if we had never visited India, we were all quite certain she was wrong, Many objective sources of information could effectively refute her statement. Nearly every country in the world has poverty, including the United States. Whether it is through political manipulation of the press or corporate malfeasance to hide an uncomfortable truth, poverty is everywhere. However, in some countries, it is far worse. In the example of our English professor, she was proud of her native country and wanted to present the best image to the world. 

How different is the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Bible records the plain Truth about His life. He was born in poverty. His childhood was spent as a refugee in Egypt. He was the poor son of a carpenter. When He began His ministry, even His brothers and sisters did not believe Him. His detractors called Him unlearned and even mocked His birth, alleging He was a bastard. On the Cross, He died a humiliating death, reserved for criminals of the Roman government. No sugar coating, no obscuring of facts, no glorified narrative. Everyone witnessed it. And three days after He was crucified, everyone witnessed His Resurrection. The world had seen the worst of our Lord. Now, they were seeing the glorified Christ, the very best image to the world!

…“Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. 

Revelation 1:17-18 (NLT)

In this life, many facts will be obscured by political or cultural agendas. Thanks be to God that He presents the glorious Truth of the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is fully Man and fully God!

Amen!

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.