April 30, 2013

“The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, “Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners.” Luke 7:34 New American Standard

There isn’t one level of life that Jesus overlooks. He was ridiculed by religious-rule-keepers for being too common. He ate a meal with the socially compromised and corrupt. He was as comfortable with a person of influence as he was with a person of great disease. He can celebrate a wedding or cry at a friends death. He didn’t worry about what “they” said. His ear was tuned to what his Father said. He let a woman of ministry-ruining-reputation wash and dry his feet with her hair. He in turn washed the feet of the one who would betray him.. He described forgiveness as being beyond counting. He steps across every social line and barrier. He defined your everyday calling by these words: “All men (and women) will know you are my disciples by the love you have for one another”. He let love define itself on the cross. That’s how much he loved you .. that’s how far he went so that you would know that “he will never give up on you.” He’s there when you run out or run away. His arms are open when you turn and run towards him. Jesus is that “Friend” who will “never give up on you.” As you step into this day, Jesus goes with you. It only takes a moment …

“God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 The Message

Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F to the Never-Given-Up-On following Jesus and friends of Priority One (kchesterp1@gmail.com)