Elephant in the Room — The Dysfunction in Our Churches - Friday
Today’s Verse
John 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (ESV)
Over the years since the events of 9/11/2001, I’ve been fascinated to read about the lives of people who would have been in the Twin Towers that fateful morning. But due to some very ordinary and typically frustrating situations, they were delayed getting to work and ended up surviving the day. One person overslept because their alarm didn’t go off. Another spilled coffee on their shirt and had to take extra time to change. There was the car that wouldn’t start, and the man who got stuck in traffic. And then there was the woman who got a blister because of a new pair of shoes and stopped at a pharmacy to get some Band-Aids. All of these situations would have normally created frustration, but on that day, the inconveniences were lifesavers. A strong reminder that we have no guarantees. Except one.
For all of the uncertainties and even calamities of life, we can rest assured that Jesus is firmly in charge. As Jon Weece reminded us, He is relational, proving again and again that He loves us. He is responsive, promising never to leave us. He is relentless, willing to go all the way to the Cross to save us. And we can take Him at His word that in due time He is returning for His church, to make right everything that’s wrong, and move us into our new home. Jesus, this man whose ministry took place in only about twelve square miles of territory. Jesus, who everyone thought would be forgotten after His execution, along with His little group of followers. Jesus, whose influence and power have outlasted mighty kings and kingdoms throughout the ages. While other kingdoms are now piles of rocks and rubble that we visit on vacation, Jesus’ Kingdom, a reflection of the character and nature of His Father, is growing and thriving!
APPLICATION
Jon Weece wrapped up his message with these words: “Jesus came as a baby, died and rose as a man, and is returning as the King. So let’s live every day this week like we believe that is true.” If you need help with that today, let us pray for you!
PRAYER
Father, I pray today that my life reflects the full and complete belief that Jesus is Lord of all things. He is Lord of my burdens and Lord of my joy. He is Lord of my past, present, and future. For that truth, and the hope of His return, I say thank you!
