02/16/2021
Do we study the Word, becoming believers in God and Jesus Christ, only to stop there, and go no further in fostering the relationship that they desire to have with us? Believing is not an event; it is not an academic exercise, no, it is like an ever growing vine... it is like love which isn’t completed in a moment, or by ceremony, but grows forever stronger in our hearts. Our fellowship is meant to be eternal with both the Father, and Son, and with one another as believers. It is further meant to be shared with those around us so that they too can experience firsthand the wonder that resides in Him.
“that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
1 John 1:3 ESV
Years ago when I was a rather young man the movie “Star Wars” first came out. It was quite a production and even before it hit the theaters people were excited about it, and the evening news was hyping it as the event of the year. So on its opening night I went with my brother in laws and we stood in a long line to buy tickets to see the movie. The tickets were sold very efficiently to accommodate the large crowd, and as we approached the ticket window I could hear the transactions... “How many please?”... “I would like two.”... “That will be sixteen dollars.” Then the deal was concluded with a quick “NEXT!” The entire transaction took less than 20 seconds. Fortunately the movie was more than just a quick exchange of money, and lived up to the hype it was given. Everyone came out of the theater entertained, excited, and wanting to see it again, and again. In the coming years two more Star Wars movies were released and it would become a trilogy.
I told you this story because like a movie we sometimes come to believe by first hearing the hype about God, and Jesus. We hear stories about eternal life, healings, and the other gifts that await us, then in our excitement we stand in line waiting our turn to buy a quick ticket to Faith, and take a seat in church to see the show unfold before us... but believing in God isn’t a fantasy, and we aren’t meant to simply watch Jesus dying on the cross as his crucifixion plays out at a distance on a wide screen in technicolor. We are meant to be in fellowship with Him, and to pick up our own cross so that we can follow along with Him to Calvary. We are meant to be in relationship with a living God... walking with Him, and following Jesus.
“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Matthew 16:24-25 ESV
Are we in a relationship with Jesus, and following Him, or are we looking for a quick ticket to paradise?
“Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.””
Matthew 19:21 ESV
So, movies are entertaining, and some of them move us to tears like the film “The Passion of the Christ”, but they are not a substitute for a real relationship. There is no movie screen that can replace the feeling of a cross on our own shoulder, or putting our hand into the side of Christ. There is no writer’s script that can properly convey to us the wonder of heaven, or artist painting that can reveal in full the incredible scene that unfolds without end before the throne of God. So are we in a personal relationship with God and Jesus Christ, and are we sharing the wonder of our fellowship with others who might otherwise miss out by standing at a distance and watching? Does Jesus abide in us and we in Him, or are we watching Him in the distance? This is our choice.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for wanting to be in relationship with me, and leading me to open my heart to you. Thank you Lord for your Son Jesus who beckons me to to pick up my cross and follow Him. Thank you for the very real fellowship I share with you both, and the love that I feel in the midst of it. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who walks with me, talks with me, and calls me your child. Praised be your name for every moment we spend together, as I pray, and as you reveal yourself in answer. You are mighty in all your ways, and merciful towards me by your grace and goodness. I worship you in Spirit and truth Father, and witness in awe all that surrounds you. Wash me clean Holy Father in the blood of your Son Jesus, and find me worthy as I am transformed in Him to be more like you each day. Welcome me home Father, meet me on the road as your prodigal son, and celebrate my homecoming with loving embraces and feasting. In your arms I will be complete.
Rich Forbes