He Knows and He’s Not Intimidated
1 Peter 4
7 Since we are approaching the end of all things, be intentional, purposeful, and self-controlled so that you can be given to prayer.
8 Above all, constantly echo God’s intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins.
9 Be compassionate to foreigners without complaining.
It’s Resurrection Sunday (Easter) in six days as I write this, and I find myself absolutely perplexed by God’s love. I just don't get it. How can such a perfect God, love a mess like me? How can a God so big and powerful feel comfortable with trusting a helpless man like me? I think about my family, my ministry and friendships, and recognize that all of these are gifts from the Father. Which is precisely why I'm so undone that he would trust me with them. Doesn't he know who I am? Isn't he aware of what I've done, how I think and act when things don't go my way? The truth is, He is aware and he's not intimidated!!!
He’s not worried about my next mistake messing up His plans, He is not worried about me stealing His glory. He’s not micromanaging me. He sees me, knows my heart and still enjoys calling me His son. That hits me in the gut. How can Jesus be that good? It's hard to believe that on the night Jesus was betrayed he sat down with all his disciples and knew exactly what each of their intentions were and still loved them deeply. He knew Judas would betray him, Peter would deny him and the rest would be consumed with fear, and go into hiding, because of their association with him. It’s a pure unselfish love that doesn't look for reward, and has no expectation of being repaid. It’s the kind of love we were made for, and the world is in desperate need of.
You probably have noticed that the moral fabric of the western world is completely coming undone. The rate and the speed at which evil is being promoted as good, is startling. For instance just this week, which we the church call Holy Week, a well known homosexual rapper released a pair of sneakers dedicated to Satan, complete with human blood in the soles and pentagram images. I know it’s gross. You may read that and say “Who cares? I don’t listen to rap. That guy is obviously not in his right mind.” I can’t blame you for checking out. Staying engaged with all the nonsense that is happening in our country is exhausting.
Or you may be leaning more towards my thought process, angry that a man with that influence would deceive millions of young people into normalizing sexual brokenness and satanic worship. Angry that he even has the platform to lead vulnerable minds to such deception. Regardless of your response, I want to challenge you as a disciple of Christ to stay in love. Stay connected to the one who gets the last say on the outcome of every life. The creator of this shoe is obviously looking for attention and stooping to such lows is an easy way to gain shock value. What he doesn't understand is the eternal consequences of leading young people into such depravity. What he also, has yet to discover, is the attention he craves is actually a cheap substitute for the love he was made for. God knows, and Jesus is not intimidated by his sins!
In fact, God has a plan for our rapper protagonist, a plan for real life hidden in Jesus’ love, displayed on the cross. I believe God can and is willing to redeem his life, but that will only happen when His Church begins to walk and speak true authority. God’s authority is rooted in love. Our rapper combatant, is one encounter away from salvation and resurrection life! My prayer is, Jesus will surround him with people who are not intimidated by his sin, but are completely consumed with God's love. I’m praying that a man who was once a voice for hell, will be a trumpet for heaven and a blood bought evangelist for heaven.
This is the direction, I believe the American Church is headed. God is on mission to build his kingdom and he is looking for sons and daughters who will refuse to be intimidated by sin and the world. He is looking for men and women who will be consumed with love.
Love,
Pastor John
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