December 16 It Is Jesus

John 5:15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
 
HOW often have you said, “It was Jesus”? “It was Jesus who saved me. It was Jesus who convicted me of my mistakes. It was Jesus who changed my life. It was Jesus who made my family whole. It is Jesus who fulfills my life today. It is Jesus who has blessed me with his forgiveness, peace and joy.”
   We hesitate to use our Lord’s name in this way, don’t we? Possibly a new acquaintance will choose to avoid us if we confess, “It is Jesus who guides my life.” Maybe our friends at church will think us self-righteous if we so personally speak of our lives connecting with Jesus.
   To see our hesitation another way, might we be afraid, “It was Jesus…” will disgrace our Lord? Could our motive for silence be to protect Jesus? For example, to say, “It was Jesus who changed my life.” could cause people who know us to think, “Jesus doesn’t seem to have much influence over him.” Or, “Jesus didn’t do a very good work on him.” Might we feel our confession discredits our Savior? As we will see, the healed man’s confession created conflict for Jesus among the religious authorities. Could we feel our silence is possibly a help to Jesus?
    Let’s put aside our human weaknesses – and pride – to look at God’s strength. Yes, we are far from perfect. But our Savior does not want us to dwell on our mistakes. Let’s confront them. Know what we must change. Then look to Jesus to understand how he can become a vibrant, life-changing power in our lives. Put your eyes on God. Consider the wonder of his saving grace: Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
   It was the Father who sent Jesus to earth to save us. It was Jesus who came to preach the good news of salvation. It was Jesus who died for us when we were far from perfect, even dead in our sins. It was the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the grave. It was Jesus who said to his imperfect disciples: Matthew 28:19-21 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” It was Jesus who said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-17 the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:15-17)
   Faithfully testify of Jesus’ work in your life. Be a bold, loving disciple. Yes, recognize you aren’t perfect, but it is Jesus who saves you to be new in him. It is Jesus who has shown you the path to grow into the Father’s ways. Confess, “It is Jesus who saved me. It is Jesus who draws me closer to him every day.”
   Speak up and praise the Lord. We only discredit the Lord when we remain silent. It is Jesus who wants you to speak his name.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, that it is Jesus who has shown me the way to eternal life. It is in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.