Giving the Greatest Gift

I looked across the lobby of our modest hotel and recognized that several in our group had already congregated in preparation for the long journey home.  We had spent two weeks traveling across the most northern regions of India, providing medical clinics for local people who had never seen a doctor in their lives.  As one of the few non-medical members of our team, 

I had been given the task to share the gospel with every participant who came to our clinic for medical attention. 

 I had spoken so much that I had lost my voice almost every day, yet it was an exhilarating experience to say the least.

On the final morning of our mission trip, many had gathered for an early breakfast and time of prayer.  Afterward, we all returned to our rooms to pack and then meet back in the lobby for load up and departure to the airport.  It would be a 15-hour flight back to the United States, then an additional 3-hour flight for me back to Nashville.  With the layover between flights, it was a 24-hour trip home.  As I approached the group, I noticed smiles and quiet laughter.  I asked about the topic of discussion.  Someone replied, “We’re talking about what we miss most about home.”  I listened for a moment.  The responses were sweet – “my wife,” “my husband,” “my daughter,” “my bed.”  Me being me, I tried to toss in a bit of light-heartedness with my response, which was, “bacon.”

Just about that time our group leader, Luke, joined us in the lobby and asked what we were talking about, then he offered his thoughts, “I wonder what Jesus missed most during His mission trip to earth?”

It was a sobering thought, one which left everyone standing in silent contemplation.  A few moments later, Luke returned from the hotel desk and spoke again, “I think I know the answer.”  He then went on to quote John 17:5:

And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

Luke continued, “Jesus missed fellowship with the Father most of all.”

If Luke’s first comment sobered me, his follow up comment brought me to my knees.

But that’s how much God loved the world.  He loves sinners so much that he gave us His one and only Son.  He sent His perfect, holy, righteous Son to die for sinners.  And in doing so, Jesus had to give up the glory which He had experienced with the Father since eternity past.  What more could He have given?  God gave the greatest gift ever given – Jesus.

Blessings, 

Pastor Bruce