By Doug Redford
Several years after walking on the moon in 1969, Neil Armstrong recalled what that experience was like. He described himself as an ordinary man who was privileged to do extraordinary things. On the other hand, consider Jesus. Here was someone extraordinary, the Creator God, doing an ordinary thing—entering the world just like you and I entered it: through the womb of a woman.
Some may be familiar with the TV program, Undercover Boss. In each episode an executive (sometimes the president) of a certain company disguises himself or herself and then goes out among the employees in various settings just to learn what issues or problems they may be encountering as they do their jobs. For some it’s very eye-opening; some of these executives learn some rather uncomfortable truths about their business, things that they had no idea were going on. In the process, they also learn some of the personal hardships and struggles that their employees and in some cases their families are trying to cope with. At the conclusion of each episode, the “boss” offers to help each employee in a very generous, tangible way. Usually many tears flow and hugs are exchanged.
Think again of how Jesus (Emmanuel, “God with us”) came to our earth as a baby. Talk about your “undercover boss”—especially when he was wrapped in the very ordinary “swaddling clothes” (he really was under cover!). But this boss did not have to learn about the problems and struggles that his people were dealing with. The Scripture says, “He [Jesus] knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person” (John 2:24-25). Jesus already knew our dilemma; that is why he came to our world. The angel’s extraordinary birth announcement to Joseph ended with these words: “He will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
At Communion, we use common, ordinary items to remind us of an extraordinary message. Imagine what it would be like to meet your heavenly “boss” and to have the opportunity to express your gratitude for what he did for you: the greatest gift any boss could provide to those under his authority. And remember that someday, at the wedding supper of the Lamb, we will have that extraordinary face-to-face meeting.
Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities come.
It truly is something extraordinary, when we think of the way the world is today, it’s comforting to know that we have a SAVIOR who loves us, even enough to give us that eternal gift, life everlasting. A great reminder just how blessed we are. Thank you for the words. GOD BLESS.