Jesus…the only option?
"...'Aren't You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!'" (Luke 23:39, NIV). These words came from one of the criminals on the cross next to Jesus, two short sentences that said so much about the kind of person the criminal was. But, friend, don't we sometimes—in the stress of our daily lives—respond in a similar way? How many short prayers like "Jesus, please help me here" or "Please help me with this!" do we say?
I've had a few plants for a while now, and I have to say that after my vacation, they didn't look quite as nice as they had before. Plants, as you know, need regular care. Our relationship with Jesus is similar in some respects. Of course He wants to be there for you. Of course He loves you, even if you neglect Him. But the deeper question is…do you want to know Jesus for what He promises you, or is He Himself enough for you?
In our desperation, when we need support, we like to reach for all the help that's offered to us. What do you reach for? Do you reach randomly for everything—a little bit of Jesus, a little bit of esotericism, a little bit of Buddha, a little bit of positive thinking—and hope that one of them will work?
friend, Jesus alone is the way, the truth, and the life! No one comes to the Father except through Him, as we read in the Gospel of John. (see John 14:6)
The criminal on the cross who simply wanted help from Jesus in the moment…didn't get it. But the other dying man responded with "...'Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?'" (Luke 23:40, NKJV), and Jesus saved him! "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6, NKJV)
friend, if you realize that you've stopped watering the plant of your faith on a regular basis, that you've allowed other options into your life, I exhort you…return to Jesus. Here's a prayer to help you. He's waiting with joy for you to come back into relationship with Him! "Jesus, I ask You to forgive me. Yes, I want You, You alone! Please forgive me for considering other options! Lead me back to You…I love You. In Jesus' name, amen."
You are a miracle!
