Someone needs you today

June 23, 2011 (revised: 04/05/14)         8:17 a.m.

I remember Jesus in His public ministry when many people went in and out of His life. Amidst of His being Rabbi, a teacher, almost 70 disciples stumbled over His teaching about the way they must eat the Son of Man’s flesh and drink His blood to have eternal life. Others might have thought this teaching was cannibalism, but the truth came in later on. In John 6:66, we read that many of Jesus’ followers deserted him.

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Jesus’ godly sorrow was evident in John chapter 11 too. He was conscious that His friend’s death was
customized so the Son can receive glory for the Father. But because of unbelief and hardened heart of the crowd, His spirit was troubled. Martha knew that Jesus is the Christ, which means Savior.  But didn’t these believers bury their own brother? John 11:35 said, “Jesus wept” but He still shouted “Lazarus come out!” in spite of their vague rebellion. As a result many became curious and went to see not only Jesus but also Lazarus.

We realize from these situations that even Jesus went through sorrow. As a matter of fact, the life He lived on earth is an embodiment of godly sorrow itself. Is it rational for an innocent to die without any crime? Was there any help from those He fed? But Jesus’ heart, even though He trained long enough to see them leave along the way, was ready. He didn’t regret investing life for them or infused bitterness in thought and emotion. For we know that the law forbids such attitude against a neighbor. Through it all Jesus kept a pure heart.

Many people who are experiencing sorrow apart from God are embracing death even while living. Past
sorrows, those that were inflicted by this world, were actually a form of death. But Jesus loves us so much He endured godly sorrow so He can relate to us when weep alone. He understands your hurt today because He experienced worse.

So when you are down and troubled remember that after all, we need the same grace. The Savior who died for us is the same God who wants to extend his love for us. It’s better to have severe failures for this kind of hurt chisels an upright heart in us. “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10

Christianity is not a one man game. We need them, the church and they need us too. Jesus loved us first, we can love other people. And it happens that way so we can live for others and not for ourselves alone. Someone needs you today.

The Lord’s purpose will still prevail after all. He decides whom to have pity on and whom to exterminate right away.

May His kingdom come, may the desires of His heart be established on earth, and may He use us not for fame or valor but only for His glory. So the name of God be praised through all the ages forever Amen