It's been a while since two words (or a word) have knocked me on my behind and up the side of my head...in addition to hitting an arrow in my heart.
Life, o life, you are a complicated thing. We were not promised comfort or ease ("I tell you these things that you might have peace, in this world you WILL have trouble but take heart, I have overcome the world" John 16:33 emphasis mine). Yet it seems to be that which I run after and seek...comfort, ease.
And in the seeking, I get lost in the tyranny of the urgent. The latest drama or life event, even that which is hard by anyone's standard, comes forefront and the source of my peace pushed further back.
But, I consider Jesus. The OG, the ORIGINAL rich, young ruler. (Mark 10:17-31) He didn't turn away when He considered all He had to give up...instead He took on flesh, took on our sin although He was blameless, suffered immeasurably as the weight of that sin made blood pour from His pores as He cried out to His Father who was with Him before always, for always.
I consider Jesus who didn't turn and run as the detachment of soldiers came with weapons bore, but stepped out to them ("Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, went out and asked them, 'Who is it you want?'' John 18:4). He lovingly told Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?" (John 18:11)
I consider Jesus. He considered me. He considered me before my first breath...knowing every sin I would commit, did commit, will commit.
I consider God. As a parent, I consider giving up a precious child. I consider it for a second because I can't consider it.
I consider Jesus. As He hung there and, for a short time, His Father turned His face. The aloneness as He hung there.
I consider Jesus. His death was His promise. His death was the blank check He wrote. 2 Corinthians 1:20, "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through Him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God."
I considered Jesus as I got up this morning and asked God to help me cash the check today as I want boldness to speak the gospel to my mom...not in my power, but in His.
None of His promises are filled in my power...but ONLY when I consider Jesus.
I consider Jesus as I walk away from a weekend of lingering with Him. I consider and ask Him to cash the check that I do not forget my moments of lingering at a conference, but that the Holy Spirit would remind me, CONSIDER HIM...CONSIDER JESUS as He graciously intercedes for me where mercy meets might in His power.
I consider Jesus. Oh, will you please consider Him with me.? If you don't know Him, let me know. I might stumble through it, but as I consider Jesus, He will help me help you know Him in His MIGHTY power and his GREAT mercy.
Thank you, Shane and Shane, Thabiti Anyabwile, Ben Stuart, John Elmore, David Nasser, JR Vassar, Jimmy Needham, People and Songs. Thank you for letting me linger. Thank you for teaching me to Consider Jesus. Pray with me as I do so, in His power, and as I pray for you. Thank you John, you love me so well.
