THE "W" FACTOR

I Was Just Thinking About - - -

Yesterday, November 13, 2015 in Paris, France, the unexpected and unwanted occurred as at least six terrorist cell groups unleashed their attack on innocent people who were enjoying public and social events. The death toll was extensive and some of those who were the cause of the carnage were not immediately captured. As a result, the “W Factor” once again came to the forefront. Who? What? When? Where? Why? The answers to those questions will take civil authorities days and weeks to determine “Who” the devious minds were that conceived and coordinated this deadly attack.

In a far more practical and spiritual matter, especially as we soon enter the Advent Season, is making application of the same questions posed above. The Biblical “W Factor” refers to The One upon whom the Advent focus should be. Who is this one? “W Factor” number one is the summary given in Philippians 2:5-11, when Paul wrote: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to hold on to, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.”

What is it this one came to be and do? “W Factor” number two is the succinct statement in John 1:29, “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” A further expression of this focus is given in Luke 19:9-10, “And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that having been lost.”

Where in human history did this take place? “W Factor” number three is stated in different ways. In Galatians 4:4-5, Paul wrote: “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, having been born of a woman, having been born under the Law, that He might redeem those under the Law, so that we might receive the divine adoption as sons.” 

The “fullness of time” is more specific in Luke 2:1-20. Where did this event occur?  “W Factor” number 4, the historical specificity is given as: “And it came to pass in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the world. This registration first took place when Quirinius was governing Syria. And all were going to be registered, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the City of David, which is called Bethlehem, because of his being of the house and family of David, to register with Mary the one being betrothed to him, she being with child. And it came to pass in the time they were there, the days of her giving birth were fulfilled. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”

Why was this the divine plan? “W Factor” number five is comprehensive. It can be summed up briefly: In I Timothy 1:15, Paul wrote, “This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” In John 3:17, Jesus stated that “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” John’s summary to his Gospel states, John 21:25, “There are many more things that Jesus did. If all of them were written down, I suppose not even the world itself would have space for the books that would be written.”

The issue of the terrorists is one of evil and hatred. Their “W Factor” is driven by a satanic force where the hatred of Jesus Christ and anyone who believes in Him becomes their cause for cruelty, heinous acts and murder. The issue that surrounds the birth of Jesus Christ is a demonstration of God’s eternal love, mercy and grace. The “W Factor” for the follower of Jesus Christ is the Gospel (Good News) because it can take the one wallowing in darkness and wickedness and bring him/her into the light, Jesus Christ. This meaning, reality and purpose is stated in I John 1:5-7, “And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” May this be your reality and purpose for your life. Consider these things with me.