I think too often we get caught up in the fluff of Christianity. What I mean is: if it isn't punchy or poignant, if it doesn't evoke chill bumps, if there are no drums or bass guitar behind it, we swipe left and keep scrolling.
Whether we are laser-focused on not missing a miracle or so busy checking boxes, we have become desensitized to the simple gospel.
We have complicated loving Jesus and letting Him love us.
The heart is deceitful above all else, and desperately sick [wicked]; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9)
For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16).
Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household (Acts 16:31).
Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out (Acts 3:19).
I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them (Hosea 14:4).
That's it.
Without Jesus, the condition of the human heart is terminal. But God, in His lovingkindness who never needed us, wanted us.
He wants you. No matter how battered or banged up the throws of life have left you. He wants you. He wants your brokenness. He wants your insecurities. He wants your exhaustion. He wants the thorn in your side. He wants your baggage that the world has deemed too heavy.
Really, He just wants your "yes."
And not only does He want you, but He also wants to gift you abundant life. At no cost to you, He wants to reverse your prognosis. He wants to show you His heart.
While we're busied by waiting on a burning bush to speak to us or a floating hand to write a message on our bedroom wall, we're missing out on simply knowing Jesus and being known by Him.
When our relationship with Him looks more like a to-do list, we are depriving ourselves of the freedom we were meant to be walking in.
Yes, He wants to speak to you through His Word so read your Bible. But have you listened for Him in the trees?
Yes, He is still the same God who spoke to Balaam through his donkey. But have you looked for Him in the faces of your babies?
Yes, we were created for community so go to church. But have you heard Him in the giggles around your dinner table?
My challenge to you and to myself is that we would believe for the impossible, the healing, the big things, absolutely. But also, that we would make it a point to be more mindful of the presence of God in the mundane.
That we would just love Jesus and let Him love us back.
Simple Gospel // United Pursuit
I want to know you, Lord
Like I know a friend
I want to know you, Lord
I want to know you, Lord
Like I know a friend
I want to know you, Lord
So I’m laying down all my religion
I’m laying down
I want to know you, Lord
I’m laying down all my religion
I’m laying down
I want to know you, Lord
I use to think that I could box you in
But I’m laying down
I want to know you, Lord
I use to think that I could box you in
But I’m laying down
I want to know you, Lord
I’m laying down all my religion
I’m laying down
I want to you know you, Lord
I’m laying down all my religion
I’m laying down
I want to know you, Lord
I want to know you, Lord
Lord, I’ve been told to be ashamed
Lord, I’ve been told I don’t measure up
Lord, I’ve been told I’m not good enough
But you’re here with me
I reach out and you find me in the dust
You say no amount of untruths can separate us
I reach out and you find me in the dust
You say no amount of untruths can separate us
I reach out and you find me in the dust
You say no amount of untruths can separate us
I will rejoice in the simple gospel
I will rejoice in you, Lord
[Repeat 2x]
And I reach out and you find me in the dust
You say no amount of untruths can separate us
I will rejoice in the simple gospel
I will rejoice in you, Lord
I will rejoice in the simple gospel
I will rejoice in you, Lord
©2015 United Pursuit Music (ASCAP) and Capitol CMG Genesis (ASCAP)
