Son of God #1 – Bye-Bye, Bystander
Shawna Johnson | Tech Assistant
It continually amazes me how the Bible is still relevant today. When I first became a believer, I was not so sure; the USA alone has changed dramatically in the last 100 years, so how can a book that is over two thousand years old have anything to do with today’s society? The more I read the Bible, learn God’s Word, and let Him speak through His Word, the more I realize it is absolutely relevant to today!
As I read through Matthew 27 and the way Jesus was mocked, tortured, and crucified, it one, breaks my heart to read of the way they treated Him; two, reminds me just how much He loves us; and three, it reminds me of the way our culture responds to Jesus today.
Jesus is not politically correct, Jesus is not a popular topic, and talking about Jesus can be offensive. People were against Jesus then, and they are against Jesus now. People mocked Jesus then, and people mock Jesus now.
Does knowing this stop you from sharing the Good News of Christ? I know that in my walk, I have had to continually pray for courage to share Jesus with my friends and family; I do not want them to think I am weird, or crazy. When I sit back and think about that, I am actually embarrassed. Jesus was mocked for me, Jesus was tortured for me, and Jesus died for me, and friends, He did it for you, too. We are worth so much to Jesus that He died on the cross for us. We should want to share this love with everyone!
A family member of mine passed away recently. As I was preparing to head out of town for the funeral, I began wondering if she knew Jesus. Where would she spend eternity? At that moment I began thinking about the number of people I have the opportunity to know, and love, and I often never even share with them how much Jesus loves them. That moment was when it hit me. I know Jesus. I am beyond words grateful for that, but that is not enough. It is not enough to coast through life following the rules I am supposed to follow, saying things I am supposed to say, and refraining from the things I am not. It is not enough for me to just know Jesus, and know I am going to Heaven. It is not enough for me to just sit back and live a comfortable Christian life.
In the book, “Why Not Me?” Ms. DeeAnn wrote this line, “His purpose will stand, and He will accomplish His plans with or without you.” I do not know about you, but I want to be used by God! I want to see Him move! I want to see Him change the lives of people and especially the people I love! I want to be a part of it, don’t you?