by David Brenneman
"One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which translated means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter)." John 1:40-42.
The very purpose of this blog is two-fold. To point people to Jesus or to encourage them to come back to Jesus. As Moses described of himself, I am no one special save that of what I testify to Jesus who saved me.
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." Ephesians 5:1-2.
While statistics may show certain aspects of this blog and its reach throughout the world, the only truth about it will be on that day that we all stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives.
The only greatness of my life is that which Jesus, through His Spirit, accomplished in me.
"But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24.
Whatever accolades this world might offer for deeds done among men and women, these pale in comparison to seeking to hear "Well done!" from my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the One worth knowing in this life. Jesus is the forgiver of my sins and the leader of my life. I cannot help but want this for others. Paul considered himself chief of all sinners because he persecuted the Church. I might be as honest about myself that there's much in my own life's past that was never God honoring.
Jesus is the reason I am still here breathing today. It's hard to believe that it's been over 25 years, in reality it's almost exactly 26. It was around this time of year when, 26 years ago I was at such a low place in my life that I felt that I was of no use to anyone. I was sitting in my living room with a pistol ready to end my life. Jesus seemed so far away from me. My life felt so foul and dirty. As the songwriter said in that great hymn "a wretch like me".
But God intervened. Stopped by a phone call. It was the tipping point that brought me to my knees before Him with whom I had to do. Clarity of the situation was for certain. Either go ahead with that and face Jesus that way, go on living life in the same dreaded misery or option three...finally and wholly give up trying to live life my way and in my strength. Option three is what I obviously took.
God wants our whole heart and mind. Someone said recently that all that separates us from Heaven or Hell is 12 to 14 inches. 12 to 14 inches is the space between your mind and your heart. Knowing of Jesus in your mind isn't knowing Him in your heart.
Do I think that I wasn't saved in 1974? No, not at all. I just hadn't been fully devoted to following Jesus. I got ahead of Jesus. I had yet still been living my life my way.
An interesting read is that "A Shepherd's Perspective on Psalm 23". Sometimes sheep do try to run off and do their own thing and all inevitably get into some sort of trouble.
Until I was really devoted to whatever life that Jesus had in mind for me my life wasn't going to go right. I believe there's such a thing as inactive and active rebellion. Intentional and unintentional. We easily prove out the passage "All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him." Isaiah 53:6.
The lengths to which Jesus goes to in order to run to His sheep, when we really really consider it ought to make us stop and weep. Philips, Craig and Dean had a song out a while ago called "When God Ran". I can remember one of the first times I heard it it made me cry. That moment in 1999 Jesus ran to me that very instant that I finally, fully, called out to Him.
Jesus is ready to forgive all who call upon His Name for salvation.
Jesus is only one heartbeat away from those who think they are too far from God to be reached.
Jesus is more real than the chair you are sitting on or the ground you stand on right now, whatever the case may be.
Jesus wants a real relationship with all who live and breathe. With open arms He’s ready to receive both new Believer's and those who have strayed in life.
I can testify to having been in both those situations in my life. I am a Prodigal Son. I once was lost but now am found. I was blind but now I see. I was that wayward sheep that the Great Shepherd left the 99 on a hill to go find. If there's any good to the perspective of saying of myself "I" this or "I" that is to say that there's been no room for "I" in my life. Seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness is what's important to me. Setting my mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world are what's important to me.
Jesus is still in the business of saving people and rescuing wayward sheep. It's what He does.
To live for Jesus is what little we can do to show such appreciation for all He did for us.
So for one, for all: You are but one decision away from either coming to Christ for salvation or turning back to Jesus's waiting, open, arms.
He is ready for you.
All New American Standard Bible Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. A corporation not for profit.
No comments:
Post a Comment