The television series “Monk” follows the exploits of detective Adrian Monk. He was a police officer whose wife, Trudy, was killed by a car bomb. Monk believed that he, specifically his occupation, was somehow responsible for her death.
He developed severe OCD and, unable to function, lost his job. Yet he was so skilled as a detective, he was called to work as a consultant for the police department. He had the ability to solve the cases no one else could. Except for one. He could not solve the case of his wife’s murder.
In a flashback scene, we learn that Trudy left a gift for Monk and placed it under their Christmas tree just before she was killed. Year after year, Monk could not bring himself to open it.
Unknown to Monk, that was a tragic mistake. You see, Trudy, a journalist, feared that the person she was investigating might be trying to kill her. So she recorded herself, explaining the story she was working on, who was involved and what she suspected. She then gift-wrapped the recording and wrote Adrian’s name on the tag. But because Monk did not open it, he lived for many years searching for answers that were in his grasp all along.
Many of us do the same thing. We may know about Jesus, but we don’t have a relationship with Him.
Jesus is God’s gift to humanity. He is the Son of God, born to a young virgin named Mary over 2,000 years ago. He lived a life without sin (doing anything God said not to do). Not one lie, no jealousy, always doing the right thing. He lived exactly the way God wants all of us to live, something no mere human is able to do.
Although he was completely innocent, Jesus was insulted, beaten, and crucified – a horrific, painful death. Being God’s son, He had the power to stop it at any time, but He did not. Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified and killed because He loves us. Each and every one of us. On the third day, He rose from the dead, something only God can do!
God knows there is no way that anyone can be good enough to get into heaven. That is why Jesus took our place and received the punishment for our sin (offering us salvation). But this is not just about avoiding the eternal torment of hell and getting into heaven.
It is also about starting a new life, and having a relationship with God, right now! This is a gift. The greatest gift we could ever be given, and it is offered to EVERYONE.
Monk’s life was changed when he finally accepted Trudy’s gift by opening it. Our life will be changed when we accept the gift of salvation that comes through Jesus. It is yours for the asking.
If you would like to spend eternity with God in heaven, and begin a new life now, pray to Him like the example below:
God, please forgive me for all the wrong things I have done. (List the things you can remember. This is called confession). I believe Jesus is your Son. I believe He is fully God and fully human. I believe He lived a perfect life. I believe He suffered, He died and He was buried. I believe He rose from the dead, conquering death. Thank you for choosing me to be your child. Thank you for paying the penalty for my sin so I can spend eternity in heaven with You. Please help me to love You and Your Word, and become more and more like Jesus. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of God! Write down this date and go and tell someone your good news!
I was not planning to include this message, so God placed it here for you, my friend! I would love to hear from you as well. You can find me online at LisaLewisKoster.com or on Facebook at LisaLewisKosterSpeaks.
Lisa Lewis Koster 
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