Jesus: The Center of History

"I am an historian, I am not a believer, but I must confess as a historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very center of history. Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all history." H.G. Wells, British author (1866-1946)

I came across this quote over the weekend and am fascinated by the sheer truth that is speaks. Jesus Christ is the very center of human history. There is no denying that on so many levels all of human history uses Jesus as a dividing line. He literally divides time as we know it into B.C. and A.D. He has divided mankind in philosophies, religions, education, and even war. There is no denying that Jesus is the framework and structure of history. But how seriously do we in the church take that role of our Lord?

For us, Jesus is the line over which we crossed into eternity with value and life. Through his death and sacrifice we have received life and grace from our Heavenly Father. In my time in scripture this morning I read these words: “He (Jesus) was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” Romans 4:25. Jesus again becomes the fabric through which our life of faith is woven.

But are we content to leave it at that? Is the centerpiece of history our own personal Jesus? I believe that Jesus exists at the center of history not to be a polarizing figure but to be a magnetic force that draws mankind to him. As magnets push or attract one another based on their orientation, so humanity is either attracted to Christ or repelled by him based on our response to the question of who he is. When we orient ourselves to believe Jesus is merely a good man or a great teacher, we find ourselves moving farther from the truth of who he is in his nature. When we bow before his majesty and recognize him as Lord, we are attracted to him and realize that he gives meaning and purpose to life.

Jesus is the most dominant figure in human history. The question becomes, “what are we going to decide to do with him?” As the church, we must strive to constantly be attached to his presence and his lordship. As a movement, we must be continually on a quest to raise the truth of his majesty to those who have never heard.

What do you believe bout Jesus?