Text: 2 Corinthians 4, 5
Introduction: Do you like “CANDY CANES”? Why not go get one and give it away? Then be sure to explain this CHRISTian meaning of the CANDY CANE? “CANDY CANES” at CHRISTmas time speak volumes of the substitutionary, sacrificial death and vicarious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. A closer study of “CANDY CANES” reveals seven (7) biblical truths.
1. A “CANDY CANE” is shaped like a SHEPHERD’S STAFF! (2 Cor 5:9)
“Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.”
(2 Cor 5:9)
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
(Psalm 23:1)
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
(John 10:11)
Personal Application: The Good Shepherd came looking for me! (Regardless of what you think, we were not looking for Him) Praise God!…..He found me, rescued me – and as pictured in Luke 15 – carried me back to His fold!
2. A “CANDY CANE’S” stripes speak of the SAVIOR’S SACRIFICE! (2 Cor 5:21)
“21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Personal Application: The only way a holy God could forgive a guilty sinner and consequently, satisfy His Holy demands, would be that He must leave heaven and come to the earth, which He did in His incarnation….born of a virgin, and yet be fully God and fully man. Jesus Christ lived a life without sin, something only God could do. The Lord Jesus laid down His life voluntarily to die on a cross – a perfect sacrifice – as a “ransom” or payment for sin with His own precious blood; furthermore, He arose from the dead and ascended back to heaven at the right hand of the Father. Only through that provision for sin, could a righteous God be satisfied or “propitiated” (1 John 2:2; Rom 3:23-25).
3. A “CANDY CANE’S” white color speaks of SINS FORGIVEN! (2 Cor 5:17)
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Personal Application: When we are saved from sin’s penalty, immediately the Lord restores us back into fellowship with Him and declares us as not guilty. Now we have been imputed Christ’s righteousness….and made a new creature.
4. A “CANDY CANE” resembles a SHEPHERD’S STAFF which speaks of SERVANTHOOD! (2 Cor 5:15)
“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”
Personal Application: As a SERVANT of our Lord, we realize that we are “bought with a price” and no longer our own (1 Cor 6:19-21). Therefore, we are to place ourselves at His disposal…..ready and willing to serve our MASTER!
5. A “CANDY CANE” has a distinct SMELL which speaks of HEALING! (2 Cor 4:16-5:8)
“16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”
Personal Application: Jesus who is the “balm of gilead” places us into a relationship with Himself by the power of His Holy Spirit, which affords us the privilege of being “Healed” from past sins, present hurts, and future spiritual death. Ultimately, we will be completely healed with a new body. Think about it.
6. A “CANDY CANE” can be BROKEN and SHARED! (2 Cor 5:20)
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”
Personal Application: Jesus was “BROKEN & POURED OUT”! Only thru Him are sinners – people – reconciled to God.
That is the “GOOD NEWS”! Every believer becomes a representative of God’s Amazing GRACE and Great Unconditional Love!! Sent out by our REDEEMER to tell a dying and desperate world, “There’s HOPE”!
7. A “CANDY CANE” reminds us of SACRIFICES today but REWARDS tomorrow at JESUS’ SECOND Coming! (2 Cor 5:10)
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
Personal Application: It will be WORTH it all to be rewarded at the Judgment Seat (bema) of Christ. All the heartaches, persecutions, menial sacrifices – in comparison to His will – pale in comparison to the lost person who faces the terrible sentence at the “Great White Throne” Judgment.
Jesus is coming!
Are you ready?
Conclusion: Why not go out and buy some CANDY CANES for CHRISTmas? What a great way to share the love of JESUS this time of the year! After all, isn’t HE the REASON for the SEASON?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
