Why So Serious? Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10 ESV) Why do you think people were drawn to Jesus? There is a drawing of the likeness of Jesus that is my favorite, it is called The Laughing Jesus. I think people were drawn to Him because He was pleasant to be with, a good listener, and full of joy! He was the total opposite of the religious leaders of His day. In fact He called them whitewashed tombs - “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. (Matthew 23:27 ESV) Jesus was accused of being a drunkard and a glutton, a man who hung out with sinners. He was accepted by those who were lost and in need of a Savior and rejected by those who thought they knew God! Yet, He was the embodiment of Holiness. I just cant get away from the fact that Jesus desires us to LIVE! God proclaimed by His angels, And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (Luke 2:10 ESV) Jesus tells us plainly, These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:11 ESV) And, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.(John 10:10 ESV). Paul declared, As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.(1 Timothy 6:17 ESV). And also, For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17 ESV) The Devil is the Accuser and the Destroyer! He is the one who offers the promise of happiness and life but CANNOT DELIVER! He can only give pleasure for a season which ultimately leads to destruction and death. ONLY JESUS can truly give LIFE! He is life! Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.(John 14:6 ESV) We dont have to compromise and water down the Gospel to draw men to salvation. All we have to do is Live the Gospel in our lives! Let Jesus be Jesus in YOU! He promises, And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32 ESV). It is Jesus who draws men to Himself! He does this by the Cross! We must lift up Jesus daily in our lives with thanksgiving for the sacrifice He made to deliver us from the penalty of sin and provide for us the JOY of LIFE! Life is meant for living, living in a way that honors God in all things and displays fullness of joy for all to see! If you really want to be serious about the Gospel remember that it is GOOD NEWS and live a joy filled life!
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 17:13:53 +0000
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