November 3, 2014

“The servant grew up before God – a scrawny seedling, a scrubby plant in a parched field. There was nothing attractive about him, nothing to cause us to take a second look.. He was looked down on and passed over, a man who knew suffered, who knew pain firsthand.” Isaiah 53:1-3 The Message

His whole life was spent serving. No one was out of the way or out of his reach. His life was spent serving you: in your brokenness .. in your fight .. in your struggle .. in your loneliness .. to the very ends of your life. He is the only One .. even now .. who keeps you on your feet. Jesus is never surprised where he finds sin-stained lives .. suspicious lives .. withdrawn lives. Wounded men and women rarely feel liked .. rarely feel accepted .. and even more rarely feel wanted. But they are surprised to find this “scrawny plant” waiting for them .. with healing .. with hope .. with all the help they will ever need. He is ALL the help you will ever need. He offers you everything for your nothing. Without Him you are a life-form. With Him you become a life-filled. He was ransomed for your ruins .. suffered for you .. and knows firsthand everything that keeps you from living. And what Jesus is “so ready to give” is absolutely perfect for your life. In fact .. He is the life you really want for … real. He won’t ever let go …

“Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.” Hebrews 4:12-13 The Message

Ken Chester: “The Grip” is sent M-F to grace-infected followers of Christ. (Kchesterp1@gmail.com)