There Is Hope
Do you ever feel like it's useless to continue praying about a situation? Have you ever had a friend or loved one who seems beyond reach? Have you ever felt that you are beyond reach? I've felt all of these things, and in times of doubt I may feel them again, but doubts can not rule in my life because I have Christ.
I have the one who offers answers to addicts. Who offers hope to whores and peace to prostitutes. He even offers mercy to murderers. Now you may think talking this way is sacreligious. Jesus' name should never be mixed up with the filthy sinners of this world. Yes, it should. Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
In Luke 19, we see the story of Zacchaeus. I'm sure you all know the story. Zacchaeus was a publican, a tax collector. Even in our day, I'm sure that tax-collectors are considered sinners of the lowest sort. Now not only did Zacchaeus collect taxes, he took extra money for himself. He was nothing but a low-down thief who got rich by making others poor. Yet, Jesus said Zacchaeus' sins were forgiven. Jesus sought out sinners. There are various references throughout the Gospels that speak of Jesus eating with publicans and sinners. One of his 0wn disciples, Levi, was a publican.
Jesus even helped the demon-possessed. In Mark 5 we see the story of a man who lived in the tombs, ran around naked and cut himself. Now I don't know about you, but I think I would have avoided this guy. I would have said, "Okay boys, lets get back in the boat. Surely we can find a better place to go then this!" But Jesus didn't do that. He cast the demons from the man. The man went from being possessed by the devil to being filled with love for Christ.
Christ can change anyone or anything. Nothing is beyond his reach. The one who told the woman, "Go and sin no more" when she was caught in adultery in John 8 is the same one who can change our lives today.
As the Third Day song says, "There is hope for the helpless. Rest for the weary, and love for the broken hearts. There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing. He'll meet you wherever you are. Cry out to Jesus."
Just remember, wherever you are today. Jesus is with you, and He just wants you to come to Him.
posted by Heather Smith @ Monday, November 14, 2005
6 Comments:
Got Third Day on the brain? As you should! Great post Heather. God works in mysterious ways. Our prayers are never wasted. Sometimes they've been answered in ways we aren't able to see until eternity.
The two main illustrations Jesus used for evangelism -- salt and light -- imply contact. Light pentrates darkness, salt flavors what's bland and acts as a preservative. The idea is that we cannot reach a lost world w/out engaging it at some level. The trick is to engage darkness, without embracing it. Good post, Heather.
Thanks for the reminder! I wish I could write like you. You're so eloquent!
What a wonderful piece, Heather. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the simple, basic truths.
blessings, e
Thanks for the great post. I was reading today about how God loves all His children, not just the ones who seem more spiritually mature or don't "mess-up" as much. It takes so much pressure off to realize we don't have to perform to earn His favor. HE did the performing (the cross) and GAVE us His favor.
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