Let Us See Jesus

Do you ever try to make sense of the world? I do, and I’m pretty sure I try too hard most of the time. I have this belief that if I can see how everything fits together, then I’ll know better what to do. Scripture is clear, as it would be better for me to spend more time talking to God, then trying to figure out the world.

In John 17, Jesus has a wonderful prayer where He prays for the followers He had when He was walking on earth, and for all of us who would believe the truth later. This means it is a prayer Jesus is praying for you, today, as a follower of Jesus Christ:

14 I gave your word to them and the world hated them, because they don’t belong to this world, just as I don’t belong to this world. 15 I’m not asking that you take them out of this world but that you keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They don’t belong to this world, just as I don’t belong to this world. 17 Make them holy in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 I made myself holy on their behalf so that they also would be made holy in the truth.  

We don’t belong to this world!

Now, this doesn’t mean we can ignore it and not care for the people around us. I think of the Apostle Paul wrestling with this world. He was put in prison and beaten by “the world,” and yet, he knows whatever he goes through is used by God, to share the gospel message.

His one purpose was to preach the gospel, helping as many people as he could to love as Jesus loves.

18 What do I think about this? Just this: since Christ is proclaimed in every possible way, whether from dishonest or true motives, I’m glad and I’ll continue to be glad. 19 I’m glad because I know that this will result in my release through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 It is my expectation and hope that I won’t be put to shame in anything. Rather, I hope with daring courage that Christ’s greatness will be seen in my body, now as always, whether I live or die. 21 Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better. 22 If I continue to live in this world, I get results from my work. 23 But I don’t know what I prefer. I’m torn between the two because I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 However, it’s more important for me to stay in this world for your sake. 25 I’m sure of this: I will stay alive and remain with all of you to help your progress and the joy of your faith, 26 and to increase your pride in Christ Jesus through my presence when I visit you again. (Philippians 1, CEB)

Paul knows his true home is not this world, and yet, he understands as long as he is here he has one purpose. His purpose, the one thing all of us as Christ followers are to focus on, is sharing the gospel message.

May we continue to bring our focus back on Jesus, and not be distracted by the ways of the world around us!

Blessings,

Pastor Matt