Connected in The Word 5-26-26
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
You probably recognize the words above as the Great Commission. As believers in Jesus, we know the Good News that Jesus lived, died, and rose for us. We know the peace and comfort that comes with knowing that our sins are forgiven. We live our lives with a foundational joy and confidence because even in the face of suffering, tragedy, and evil – Jesus rose from the dead and so will we! Our lives have purpose, meaning, and value because we were made and saved in and through Jesus to love others and care for creation in our various vocations in life!
Knowing Jesus does not make life easy and does not make all the junk of this life disappear. But knowing Jesus brings peace, joy, confidence, and purpose like nothing else can. That doesn’t mean I live life inside a “Jesus Bubble” where I become numb to everything else in life. I still rejoice when I get to hang out with my kids, and I still mourn when someone dies. I laugh at jokes, cry during sappy movies, and get anxious about germs. I get grumpy when I’m tired, frustrated with the Red Sox, and embarrassed when I mess up. I still pay bills, spend too much money at Home Depot, and I’m still trying to learn how to cook.
Here’s the point…
Knowing Jesus changes NOTHING in my life and yet knowing Jesus changes EVERYTHING in my life. I am human just like everyone else, but I’m a human who knows what God has done for me (AND FOR YOU) in and through Jesus. I do life just like everyone else, but I also do life with peace, confidence, and joy that permeates every aspect of life. Yes, my life also includes church on Sundays, confessing my sins and forgiving others, and loving and caring for other people. But these things are not obligations of the “Christian” life – They are just some of the best parts of LIFE!