As we begin this most Holy Week, the most powerful word I can think of is Jesus. I remember a quote that asks, “Who do you say Jesus is?” But then a much more important question followed, “Who does Jesus say you are?” When I read that question it stopped me in my tracks. “Oh my, who DOES Jesus say that I am?” Of course, we can all think of incidences when we’ve been generous with our time, charitable, loving, a teacher of others, compassionate. But then my mind wanders and quickly recalls the times I very likely failed and disappointed Him – when my heart was far from His – when I was rushed and when I’ve been uncaring with others in my speech. The list could go on and on. We are not perfect human beings, you and me. Jesus knows that, although that doesn’t give us an excuse to be an imperfect human being.
Many people that are not followers of Jesus look at Christians as imperfect people and maybe even hypocritical in our beliefs. I would reply that that is WHY I am a Christian. That is WHY I believe in Jesus. I recognize that I am imperfect, and thankful for His love and grace and the constant yearnings in my heart that keep drawing me forward and empowered when I repeat that name, Jesus.
Look back on your path through this Lent with Jesus and maybe looking back even further. Can you identify the diversions you’ve experienced along the way? Where did you think Jesus deserted you or maybe the better question is, where did you desert Jesus? During this most Holy Week, let’s recognize, no matter what goes on around us and in our world, He never deserts us. I pray you’ll choose, especially this week, to stop and give thanks to the One who is forever guiding us back to Him. He is the reason I wake up every day with hope. Jesus is the reason that I get butterflies (Holy Spirit) inside when I stay focused on Him, confident that the answer to the question, “Who does Jesus say that I am,” His reply is, “You are loved.” I am confident He is working in all of us every single minute, even if you don’t recognize it at this moment.
So, the next time we find ourselves wandering off the path Jesus wants us to follow (you’ll know), immediately re-focus by calling Him to our side, speak His name, “Jesus.” It’s a powerful word, a healing word, and not just any word. It’s the name of our Lord and Savior. It is my reason for living each day. What about you? I pray that you will take some reflection time today to ask, “Who does Jesus say that I am?”
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
From God's Lips 