As people are scurrying from shop to shop on the cobblestone streets of a city in Europe, the music begins. The sounds reverberate against the buildings and streets of stone catching the ears of passersby, causing them to wonder the music’s source and the reason for its being played. Some eyes are drawn to a man in his 60s, balding and lightly bearded, who is standing alone in the center of the street with a hat placed before him.

Then the man begins to sing, and more and more stop to listen. His operatic voice reflects no ordinary talent. Sadly, there are those who keep walking, carrying on with their business. But the crowd of listeners grows. Some, in response to the beautifully sung melodies, walk awkwardly up to the man and place some coins in his hat. Others stop and listen – some with smiles, others with tears in their eyes – as the music and singing captures their hearts. Those who stop to listen are blessed with the words of a tender song, “You Raise Me Up,” magnificently sung by Martin Hurkens, winner of "Holland's Got Talent" in 2010. Watch his “street singer” performance and the reaction of the listeners here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RojlDwD07I

Now consider a Man sitting on a mountain side Who begins a discourse with the words, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…” (Matthew 5:3ff). Imagine following the Teacher, desiring to hear more of His instruction but also wanting to observe His character. Those who would take the time and opportunity to do so observed that this was no ordinary man. His words were sublime, His character flawless, His manner of dealing with people, perfect!

There were some who dismissed Him; others rejected Him outright. But those with open hearts who listened carefully, observed closely, and investigated thoroughly, saw and heard more than magnificence; they witnessed Majesty!  These responded, “Truly, this IS the Son of God.” He was Immanuel, God-in-the-flesh.

He came to REVEAL the Heavenly Father (John 1:18), TEACH us the will of God (Matthew 7:21-27), GIVE us the perfect example to follow (1 Peter 2:21), and to DIE on the cross for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). He came to live among men and then to die for all so that we might have the forgiveness of our sins and receive the gift of eternal life (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 6:23).

God will forgive and give the gift of eternal life to those who will place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His word (1 John 1:7).

Please pause from your busyness.... Take a closer look at Jesus: READ His Word, EXAMINE His works, OBSERVE His interactions, CONSIDER His selfless sacrifice and SEE His Majesty.  Then surrender your life to Him!

Won’t YOU?