September 21, 2017
“So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call in the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do.” Hebrews 3:1-2 The Message
Your calling is to follow Jesus and walk in his steps. That’s true of your life whether you’ve followed Jesus for years or it’s all brand new. It’s not about being religious or being someone you’re not. Jesus knew who he was “calling” when he said your name. He knows your personality .. background .. struggles .. longing .. determination .. and finally the very “thing” that drives you. There is nothing hidden from him. That is .. He’s not surprised by anything you do or say. That’s what makes His call upon your life both incredible and everyday real. It can feel frustrating at times because his steps are often just slightly off from ours. He is teaching us .. showing us .. and growing us into his steps. Some find that call early. Some wrestle with a nagging sense that Jesus is drawing them in a direction they would not choose on their own. (But end of realizing it’s what they wanted the whole time.) His call encompasses your whole life .. your whole heart .. and whole mind. He’s been though all of the .. struggles .. battles .. loneliness and testing. He was faithful to God in everything. That’s why He is so ready to help you walk through everything you are facing in your life today. You don’t have to guess .. He’s all ready to give. Jesus knows the true reality of your life .. what you have faced .. what you are facing … and what he longs to pour into you. With Him … it only takes a moment …
“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 the 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 4:14-16 The Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to Original Works of Grace following Jesus (kchesterp1@gmail.com)