One Great Mystery

Love is humble. It never draws attention to itself or boasts in its abilities. Even when a Christian has accomplished incredible things, their understanding of what love truly means forbids boasting. Sinclair puts it like this, “You need to know something about yourself that is bigger than anything you have achieved or ever could.”

In today’s chapter, Sinclair writes about William Perkin, the young chemist who accidentally created the world’s first synthetic dye in 1856. His discovery earned him a great fortune, a knighthood and much fame. What did Perkin think of all this? Well, truthfully, all he thought of was Christ. On his deathbed, he recited the following lyrics from an Isaac Watts hymn:

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss,

And pour contempt on all my pride.

When he reached the last line, he quietly commented, “Proud? Who could be proud?” This man, so greatly honoured by many for his role in kicking off a revolution in both chemistry and fashion, knew that there was something far greater than his achievements. He knew the love of Jesus Christ, and this created in him a great love for Christ in return and a great love for other people.

God gave his only Son for us twice over: in his birth as a man, and his death on the cross. He has proven his great love for us, though we are weak and helpless sinners, his enemies, by giving his Son to die for us (Romans 5:8). This is the truth of the gospel; in the presence of this incredible mystery, pride cannot survive. There is no room for boasting, except in what Christ has done.

Today, take some time to think about the mystery of Christ’s incarnation and crucifixion. How does the gospel message suffocate your pride? In what particular areas do you need God’s help to banish boasting? Thank God for all he has done for you in Christ, and pray that you will only ever boast in the Lord.

Love Came Down at Christmas by Sinclair B. Ferguson (published by The Good Book Company) available to buy at Eden Christian Bookstore or Amazon.