Mark 14:55 The
chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against
Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. (NIV)
As a teenager, I was very cynical about the Church and
what Christianity stood for. I was determined to do my own thing and go my own
way, so I had no need of any of the joy that Jesus was supposed to bring or the
love that God had for my life. In fact, when one of my younger brothers brought
in a Bible to the house with a ‘Jesus is Lord’ sticker on it, I
mocked him in front of the family. As far as I was concerned, Jesus didn’t
exist and anyone who thought differently was a complete idiot. Christ’s story
was just a fantastic lie made up by religious fanatics who couldn’t cope with
His death.
A couple of years later, everything changed. Instead of
being a stupid, drunken lout to my friends and family, I accepted Jesus into my
life and decided to become a Christian. The evidence that I denied suddenly
became an experience that I embraced. At the 428 Gospel Club in the heart of
Glasgow, I surrendered myself to Jesus one Wednesday evening. My life has never
been the same ever since that precious moment. And today, on 4/28, I fondly
remember those friends that I made for life, including Evelyn my wife, and give
thanks to God for leading me to Christ, even though I had followed a reckless path
of alcoholism which could have destroyed my life.
Today, I would encourage everyone who is reading this
message to embrace Jesus in their hearts and lives. He can change everything
and set you on a new path of spiritual discovery. “Today,” as the preachers
used to say at the 428 Gospel Club, “can be the beginning of the rest of your
eternal life.” All you have to do is to let Jesus embrace you, once and
for all.
Point to ponder
Am I weary of trying to be strong? Am I willing to let
Jesus become my strength?
Prayer: Lord
Jesus, You love us completely, no matter who we are or what we have done.
Enable us to embrace Your reality in our lives and lead us from this day forth.
In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor
of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can view the church
website at this link: www.erinpresbyterian.org.
Today’s image is another
of John’s latest Pentecost drawings called ‘Spirit 2017.’ If you would like to
view a larger version, please click this link: Spirit.
