You can call me stupid, but sometimes I wonder what is so good about knowing Jesus today - in this modern era that we live in. What exactly is the good news that we get excited about and why should I go to church? A sleep- in and a bike ride on a Sunday has been a staple over lockdown and now it is almost more appealing than a trip to church. I listened to a sermon a few weeks ago (it was a friend preaching at the church she attends). It was just before Christmas and my friend spoke all about why the angel gave Joseph the name Jesus for his son (who was and wans't his....). Jesus means "Salvation" which points to the whole reason why Jesus came and it highlights the idea of us being saved from our sin. I don't find this idea super helpful as I am not super 'sin -aware' - it just doesn't seem like such a big problem to me. Maybe that's because I have been a Christian for quite a while and my life is quite peacable. I am not trying to downplay the effects of sin, but other people also don't seem overly bothered by it.... you don't have to look too far to see that almost anything goes these days.
So why Jesus then?? What is so attractive about Christianity? What is so good about going church? I think it is more helpful to consider it as a separation issue rather than a sin issue. Sin does have a lot to answer for, but the cry of my heart, generally, is for connection, identity, meaning and purpose. I personally want to live for what really matters; to cut through the 'stuff' that we fill our lives with and to get to the point. To find a place where my heart can rest and be assured. I don't necessarily want an easy life, but I do like the idea of living a good one. A really good one! Can Jesus offer this?? Is God alone, enough?
One television show I have become attracted to recently, is 'the Chosen'. It is available on the App Store - for free, but the producers are asking for donations to continue to produce the series. It is the story of the disciples and their experience; their interactions with Jesus, and basically the gospel story. I like it because it fills in the gaps (in a creative way) around relationships and how different stories in the bible are intertwined. It quite quickly shows the trouble Jesus got himself into with the Pharisees and the Romans, and it highlights the faithfulness, kindness and miracles of Jesus and the response of various human hearts to his presence, Jesus did indeed save people from suffering, sickness, rejection, debt, broken relationships and worry (if the show is anything to go by).
Galatians 5: 1, 22 - 25
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free... ...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
John 3:16. TPT
For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.
I am not super sure how convicting the idea of everlasting life is, either..... I am now in my 50's but I am fit and healthy and happy to get out there and make it happen. Life after death remains an unknown, but for me, death definitely isn't a fear. But then I do know Jesus. It must be awful to fear death. Death is the one certainty we have in life. We are all time limited.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Maybe its not a coincidence that death is the penalty for sin. Ultimately death is the eternal separation from God. The eating of the fruit on the tree put us in a place of separation to start with. Sin has been in our midst ever since. Sickness, disease, death, hard work, and broken relationships. These are not our inheritance in God. For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, to repair all that is broken, to bring hope, inspire faith in God, and to love.
The love of God is our inheritance. It is something that I know I have, although at times I feel like I receive or acknowledge it a bit like a spoilt child, really. It is something that I know I would like to experience more of. A love so profoundly true and deep that it is hard to bear.
Love came to earth at Christmas time. A love undeserved that saves in extraordinary ways. A love that is totally worth celebrating. I pray for a heart to receive Him.
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