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A Clear
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Article by Tom Gilbert — © March, 2008
When I read the Gospels I am often struck
by how convinced Jesus was of his purpose and his mission.
He spoke about it with an authority that impressed many
people. I don’t think he came across as smug, arrogant
or egotistical. Rather, he had an inner authority. He was
sure about his job to both reveal what God is all about
and that he was sent by God, his Father, to redeem our
broken relationship.
The way Jesus lived is the perfect model for us. We are humans filled
with strong wills and it is difficult for just about anyone to accept
that they cannot live life successfully on their own power. We have
to receive the power, the grace, of a loving God to deal with life
and especially other people. This has been my experience. And even
learning this lesson I still find that I often try to control life,
to get things to go the way I want. What is this but playing God?
Now Jesus, we Christians believe, is God in human form. Yet, as
Paul wrote in Philippians 2:5-7, he didn’t consider this something
to be grasped. Rather he emptied himself and took on the nature of
a servant in human form. He didn’t go around “playing
God” although he did many things that revealed God’s
power. Jesus came not only to redeem, but to serve.
He Was Interesting
Over the course of his public ministry
many people became interested in Jesus. Some followed him
because of the miracles he performed. Others, mostly the
religious authorities, wanted to see if they could trip
him up. And some felt called to follow him because they
perceived that he was sent by God. They may not have been
sure if he was the Messiah, but they believed he was a
prophet of God, a good and holy man.
The amazing thing about Jesus and his inner authority is how he was
both self assured yet humble. Jesus Christ has given us some powerful
truths. His teachings are radical and profound. The core of his message
is love and forgiveness.
Going Deeper
I made a conscious decision the past couple of months to go deeper
in my own spiritual journey and it has been frankly uncomfortable.
I’ve discovered over and over again how incapable I am of living
up to Jesus’ commandments with my own weak nature. It is one
thing to know this in my head, but having this realization in my
heart has been difficult. But, I know that the grace God gives us
keeps me striving to follow the Lord’s commandments.
The spiritual journey is a life long endeavor. Many spiritual pilgrims
have shared their challenges. In your journey you may feel blessed
and lifted up. And you may feel lost and alone. The scenery changes.
It’s like going down a river that has dangerous and churning
rapids as well as serene pools of calm water. Throughout the journey
I must go with the flow. If I try to turn around and go against the
current I’ll fail. Sometimes I attempt it, convinced it is
the right direction. After I tire of the effort of self will and
once again surrender I usually get a little clarity. I recognize
that I am once again trying to run my life. It can be really scary
to let go, but we must have faith that Jesus leads us in the right
direction.
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Find Your Purpose
You can find your purpose in life by
following Jesus Christ. His words give us eternal life
(John 5:24). They do if we embrace them and do what he
teaches us. The commandment to always love, no matter how
we are treated, is difficult. But how can you argue with
perfect love? You are never wrong when you love. Jesus
loved despite the rejection from those who hated him, and
even for a while, by some who loved and followed him. His
passion and death were brutal, but he didn’t give
in to resignation, anger or hate. He took it all upon himself
and he loved through it all. He transformed through his
death the sin of the world. And he rose from the dead,
and the great Easter promise is that death has been conquered
by him and he promises us eternal life if we believe in
him and accept his command to love others like he loves
us.
I invite you to read and study the gospels
yourself. See how clear Jesus was about his purpose. Follow him and
discover the promise of love. It won’t be easy, but he gives
us the help and the strength we need with the Helper (the Holy Spirit)
so that we can become like him and in union with him.
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Scripture taken from the Holy
Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright © 1973,
1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved
throughout the world. Used by permission of International
Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks
of International Bible Society. Use of either trademark for the offering
of goods or services requires the prior written consent of International
Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible,
New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, USA. All rights
reserved.
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PSALM 16:7-9
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"I will praise the
LORD , who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs
me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is
at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart
is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest
secure."
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(NIV)
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