WE NEED JESUS
In a recent sermon delivered at Lakeview Christian Church in Portage Lake, Pastor Jim shed light on a fundamental truth that often gets overlooked in our quest for miracles and answers from above. He emphasized that Jesus didn’t come to fulfill our wants but rather to meet our deepest needs. A need to be in a proper relationship with Him!
Drawing from scripture, Pastor Jim highlighted how the disciples, like many of us, initially perceived Jesus as the answer to their desires. They envisioned him as the Messiah who would alleviate their burdens and fulfill their earthly wishes. However, Jesus came to fulfill a greater purpose—to reconnect humanity with the Father and to offer salvation.
Referencing John 14:2, Pastor Jim emphasized Jesus’ words about the abundance of rooms in his Father’s house. This imagery signifies the inclusivity of salvation; there’s room for everyone in heaven. This concept challenges us to recognize that God’s plan extends far beyond our personal desires and encompasses the redemption of all humanity.
The sermon emphasized that seeking God for miracles or answers shouldn’t be akin to rubbing a magic lamp, hoping for instant gratification. Instead, it requires earnest seeking and a willingness to accept God’s will, even if it diverges from our own expectations. Pastor Jim aptly pointed out that God’s answers may not always align with what we want, but they address what we truly need.
At its core, the gospel teaches us that Jesus is the savior we need, not necessarily the one we want. His mission was to reconcile us with the Father, offering eternal salvation and restoration. This profound truth challenges us to align our desires with God’s will and to trust in His divine plan, even when it leads us down unfamiliar paths.
Being like Jesus, as emphasized in Lakeview Christian Church’s ethos of “Study, Share, and Serve,” involves embodying selflessness, humility, and unwavering faith. It means prioritizing God’s purposes above our own desires and actively participating in His redemptive work in the world.
Pastor Jim’s sermon serves as a poignant reminder of the central message of the gospel: Jesus came not to cater to our wants but to fulfill our deepest needs by reconnecting us to the Father. As we strive to emulate Christ’s example, may we surrender our desires to God’s will and trust in His unfailing love and wisdom.
