When we watch the news, catch up on social media, we can clearly see that there’s a lot of darkness surrounding us in the world right now. It is easy to get overwhelmed and disheartened by the presence of evil, the lack of character from our leaders, the murder and violence, and the racism and bigotry that is growing stronger. Yet we who have hope know that there is good news — God is at work bringing renewal and rescue in each of us.
In lifeguarding, they teach you 4 things — reach, throw, row, go. Go is always the last option. It’s the most dangerous for the guard because often times, people who are drowning will panic and grab the guard around the throat and push them down in their attempt to get to the surface, possibly hurting the very person who is trying to save them. When it comes to planting a church or starting a new ministry, so many times people have said, “Don’t go!” People can be crazy and desperate. You might get hurt. But is this not what Jesus did? The love of the Father through his Son intersected our lives in the hour of our deepest need — in our broken and dark and wounded places — this was the amazing gift of God! Jesus paid the debt we all owe by His death on the cross. By His stripes we are healed. By grace and mercy He brings us forgiveness. He came to us on a rescue mission. In the midst of all those sins, God runs to us and embraces us and offers a gift. So we follow the risen Christ. He is our hope and salvation and defeated death, hell, and the grave. He came to earth to rescue us.
The love of the Father through his Son intersected our lives in the hour of our deepest need — in our broken and dark and wounded places.
If there was ever a time where the world is waiting to see someone to bring love instead of hate, peace instead of enmity, life speech instead of negative criticism, serving instead of entitlement, caring instead of cold shoulders, selflessness instead of selfishness, it is now. Each of us are uniquely shaped by God and He has given us giftings and a heart for something specific. Our abilities. Our personality. Our experiences. We are called to walk into the darkness and carry the light of Christ. How then will we intentionally live in this adversarial world? Pride, lust, greed, envy, sloth, wrath, gluttony [it’s hedonism that screams out more, more, more] — what’s in your heart? As the old saying goes, Wherever you go…there you are. You will still be you, regardless of your physical location, so that’s the prevalent question. What’s going on in that space behind the face? What’s truly in your heart? Who we truly are flows from our hearts. [Out of the heart the mouth speaks – Luke 6:45; Guard your heart for everything you do flows from it – Proverbs 4:23.]
So, in a brutal and dark world, where the pressure is great and what’s in you is not adequate to withstand the pressure; [especially without that life of Christ in you] your own strength will not be enough to make it. The trials of life = pure gold refined by fire. Pure oil [intimacy] is purchased in preparation for the dark days ahead. An intimate knowledge of the Word of God and time spent with Him. Worship and prayer before Him. These are things that cause us to be able to reflect the glory and light of God to a hurting world. These are things that change what will flow out of our hearts. We all needed to be rescued. Jesus did that at the cross. Now we have hope! Now we have the good news that salvation is available and accessible!
Thoughts from 032616 / Mark Beeson / Granger Community Church