Live Oak — By Pastor John Whittington



When Jesus had a child stand before the disciples, he also took the child in his arms as he said, "Whoever welcomes this little child, welcomes me."  This started me thinking about how through seemingly insignificant gestures, Jesus made a positive difference, and still makes a difference to the cultures of this world.



Women

 Jesus was born into a world that viewed women with lower status than men. Some cultures thought so little of women that when a man died, his wife (or wives) would be buried alive (or burned on the pyre) along with him.  In addition to gender, Jesus broke through ethnic and moral barriers when he reached out to the woman at the well in John four.  This gesture signaled a new day for the "softer" gender.  Compare any Christian-influenced society with any non-Christian counterpart and see where Women's rights are greatest.

Jesus Made The Difference!



Children

Children in the ancient Roman world were not the objects of love and affection that they are in the modern West.  The late Dr. James Kennedy said, "The Roman father's power over his child was absolute.  He could expose it to death; he could scourge it, mutilate it, marry it, divorce it, sell it as a slave, or kill it to satisfy his own blood lust."  Jesus took a child in his arms and the coldness toward all children began to melt away!

Jesus Made The Difference!



Slaves

Today people look in shock at the practice of slavery.  We wonder how such a godless trade could have ever existed.  However, looking through the eyes of history, we see that virtually every culture has viewed slavery as normal.  Slavery is still common in many parts of the world.  Some say, "The strong rule the weak."  The real wonder is that slavery ever ended anywhere.  Listen to Jesus putting forth our worth as God (the strongest of the strong) so loved the world (the weakest of the weak), that he gave his One and Only Son...  Jesus came to set us free from sin and death.  Societies that have come under the Christian influence have always been on the cutting edge of emancipation.

Jesus Made The Difference!



Humanity

Where basic Christianity thrives, standards of living go up. Hospitals are built. Food and clothing is provided. Weird, painful superstitions (i.e. Pagan human sacrifices, Chinese foot-binding, African female circumcision, Indian Sati) come to an end.  Every church I know regularly offer assistance to less fortunate. Many churches offer professional counseling to members and non-members at no charge.  

Jesus Made The Difference!



That's the Christianity I see, where charity and community is motivated from a God who furiously loves us and draws us to himself!  When I see the good deeds of just our local church people I think:  Even those who have doubts about Jesus ought to hope his story is real!  Why?  Because...

Jesus Made The Difference!



Pastor John Whittington

Lighthouse Christian Center

Mayo, FL

www.lccmayo.com