This is Not Just for Us
Under dimmed lights, rich and melodic music was playing with voices resounding, hearts pouring out, eyes closed, hands lifted, and lips praising. His character reflected in every verse.
GOOD, HOLY, SOVEREIGN, FAITHFUL, RIGHTEOUS, FATHER, PURSUER, PROVIDER, PROTECTOR
In the moment of singing worship songs, I digest the truths in the lyrics about God. There is exaltation, displays of adoration, demonstrations of submission, and expressions of gratitude.
What a privilege.
What a privilege that an unworthy sinner like me gets to walk with God Most High daily. He gifts me the opportunity to gather, fellowship, pray, encourage, and be encouraged as a part of His beloved Church. He allows this undeserving mess in His presence to ask, seek, knock, confess, repent, enjoy Him!
In the praise and worship portion of this weekend’s service, God opened my eyes to look and see the feast that He prepares before me. He has given me a promised life eternal, a present life abundant, His Word, His Spirit, His Church, exceedingly, abundantly more than I could ever ask or imagine! And then these words were impressed on my heart… “This is not just for you”. And my heart burst. The empty seats in the sanctuary. How many hearts have I invited to join me here? The lonely souls in my neighborhood. How many times have I brought them to my table? The anxious and fearful loved ones. How often do I speak life-giving words that point back to the only eternal hope?
How many times have I invited someone into a relationship with Jesus?
To speak truthfully, I have had seasons of complacency in my faith. I have been sinful and selfish; more distracted or discontented by what is in my life, rather than rejoicing over truth and promise. After repenting, by God’s grace, He gifts me a renewed attitude and a reminder that there are still hearts to be won for Christ.
Romans 10:9-13
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,”and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
This is not just for us. This is not just for the regular church-goers, the disciplined bible scholars, the ascetic fasters, or the religious people. This, meaning Jesus, is the message of hope and salvation for every sinner in need of a Savior– ALL OF US. This is the promise of a life eternal and life abundant. This is a personal relationship with the Messiah. To those who do not know Jesus personally, would you come and see who He is and what He is dong? To my brothers and sisters in Christ, how are you being led to share this Good News?
Ultimately, this is for everyone who has already called on His name, and prepared for those who will call on the name of the Lord.
