“I can testify that the Word is true and deserves to be received by all, for Jesus Christ came into the world to bring sinners back to life—even me, the worst sinner of all!”

1 Timothy 1:15

Guilty! That’s what they say about my friend, Jesus. Yet, I am the one that is guilty. Guilty of wavering faith. Guilty of sleeping when I should have been praying. Guilty of denying our friendship. I can’t even look at my friend on the cross because that should be me up there.

I was just an ordinary person when Jesus invited me to follow him. We did a lot of good things together. But I also made a lot of mistakes. You see, I thought by following Jesus, my good would come easy. I thought I was following a King and that I would have great status and importance in the world! Boy was I wrong. I was following a suffering servant that was under appreciated and hated by many. And because I believed He was who He said He was and I chose to walk with him, I too became a suffering servant that challenged my pride every step of the way. But my courage, my faith, and my loyalty failed greatly every day.

I didn’t mean to deny that I knew him or abandon him at the cross, but I fell asleep when he asked me to pray that I wouldn’t.

I did love my friend though! And my friend loved me. He willingly became flesh and went to the cross, knowing that my mistakes are what sent him there. But He had plans to redeem me and to use my time with Him to help me build His church!  

Guilty! But not condemned! I’m still just an ordinary person who has sinned, but I’ve seen God’s glory.  I’ve lost hope, but I’ve heard His promises. I’m ashamed of my actions, but I’ve been forgiven. My sin, my guilt, my regret, my shame – none of these are a barrier to the cross, but rather they are a bridge to salvation. I can fix my eyes on my friend, Jesus, knowing that he loved me enough – a shameful but remorseful sinner – to die so that I can hold my head up high and testify of His great mercy, forgiveness, and love. I can confidently say and be sure of this – that He who started a good work in me, will complete what He has finished.

I write this through the eyes of Peter, but knowing full well that it is me. During this Christmas season of celebrating the birth of Jesus, let us not forget the reason that Jesus was born. Let us not get so distracted by the parties, the gifts, the busyness and the ever so wonderful sugary treats, that we forget that because of His life, ours has indefinite purpose.

Our joy, our peace and our salvation is found in no other. Nor should our celebrations be focused on another.

Jesus came to teach us how to live, but he also came to rescue us from death. He came to save the poor, the rich, the ordinary, the exceptional, the educated, the vulnerable, and even the worst sinners of all. He came to save those who would humble themselves enough to recognize His glory, receive His grace, and accept His power. He came for you and for me.

So, as we fix our eyes on our next party or shopping trip, let us fix our eyes on Jesus too! Let us be a suffering servant filled with courage, faith and loyalty, and let our joy be re-imagined as we follow Him from the cradle to the cross. This IS the most wonderful time of the year because this is the time that Jesus, our Savior, Redeemer, Example and Friend, was born!

#SaturdaySoulSearch