In our world of do-it yourself, the gospels speak clearly, "You can't."
When it comes to Jesus, the only way to receive His mercy and grace is in brokenness and humility. Whether you're a child dragged along by your parents, a blind man sitting at the gate, a paralytic carried and let down through a roof by friends, or a sinner in a tree, Jesus is ready and welcoming. If you're a self-righteous hypocrite, a self-seeking do-it-yourself-er, or someone determined that God is out to get you, you will get what you have earned (see Matthew chapters 20-21).
Need mercy? Come. Forgiveness? Grace in time of need? Compassion? A cup of cold water? Jesus offers that and more. He offers Himself--and He is limitless. The peace He offers is not your style of peace. It is His peace. The joy He gives is not a human joy; it is His deep, unending joy. The fruit of the Spirit are His gifts to you, gifts without limit or measure; gifts that multiply and abound as we abide in Him and His words abide in us.
To fill that space with myself, my thinking, my desires, my dreams, and my abilities is to forfeit all He has, all He is, and all He can give.
In seeing the proud, demanding heart of people surrounding Him,
Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:25-30
When it comes to Jesus, the only way to receive His mercy and grace is in brokenness and humility. Whether you're a child dragged along by your parents, a blind man sitting at the gate, a paralytic carried and let down through a roof by friends, or a sinner in a tree, Jesus is ready and welcoming. If you're a self-righteous hypocrite, a self-seeking do-it-yourself-er, or someone determined that God is out to get you, you will get what you have earned (see Matthew chapters 20-21).
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| "Self-made Man" https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj4grmL8d_cAhVo7oMKHZ0iAzIQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fthewayofimprovement.com%2F2012%2F07%2F16%2Fjim-cullen-on-the-self-made-man-in-american-history%2F&psig=AOvVaw0IsHhlZ4Q4g0YvWsoD5nlV&ust=1533901106853139 |
Need mercy? Come. Forgiveness? Grace in time of need? Compassion? A cup of cold water? Jesus offers that and more. He offers Himself--and He is limitless. The peace He offers is not your style of peace. It is His peace. The joy He gives is not a human joy; it is His deep, unending joy. The fruit of the Spirit are His gifts to you, gifts without limit or measure; gifts that multiply and abound as we abide in Him and His words abide in us.
To fill that space with myself, my thinking, my desires, my dreams, and my abilities is to forfeit all He has, all He is, and all He can give.
In seeing the proud, demanding heart of people surrounding Him,
Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:25-30
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