Tag Archives: Sidewalk Prophets

Revealing Jesus

I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.
John 1:31, NLT*

John says that Jesus “has revealed God to us.” (John 1:18, NLT*) We who believe in Him are called to reveal Jesus to those around us just as surely as John the Baptist was called to prepare the way. (See Matthew 28:18-20)

Each of us will have a different way of revealing Jesus to the world. John the Baptist called the people en masse to repentance, confronting their sin so they’d be ready to receive salvation.

You and I, unless we’re in some kind of public ministry, are likely called to reveal Jesus one-on-one. That doesn’t mean practicing John’s approach on a smaller scale, pointing out our friends’ sins and calling them to repent.

It means revealing Jesus through our lives, caring for others in a manner worthy of the Gospel. Listening. Seeing. Helping. Encouraging. Yes, it may mean asking honest questions about life choices that don’t honour God, but only as and when He leads.

It’s important to remember that the Jews of John’s day thought they were already serving God. John showed them the gaps. If the people in our lives aren’t interested in following God, what’s the point of us pushing them to obey Him? First they need to discover who He is and why His way matters.

God our Saviour and our one true Hope, You have revealed Yourself to us and drawn us to Yourself. You do the saving, but we have a part to play in showing others how good You are and how practical Your love is. Open our eyes to the opportunities You give us to shine for You, and help us to share what You’ve given us. It’s too good to keep to ourselves.

A song that echoes the challenge is “Live Like That,” by the Sidewalk Prophets.

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Signpost Life

I myself am God, your God: Keep my statutes and live by my laws. Keep my Sabbaths as holy rest days, signposts between me and you, signaling that I am God, your God.
Ezekiel 20:19-20, MSG*

As Christians, we live under grace. It’s not about trying to earn our salvation or to appease God so He won’t zap us.

But God is a holy God, and our behaviour matters to Him. We can please Him, or we can offend Him. With all He’s done to save us, isn’t the best response a life that honours and obeys Him? A life lived in loving trust?

That’s the kind of life that keeps us close to God instead of putting up spiritual barriers. And in a culture that has little use for God’s statutes, laws or Sabbaths, it’s a life that shows others that our God is different. He is good. He’s worth following.

Holy God, we could never earn Your approval, but Jesus does, and as believers we stand clothed in Him. Thank You. Please free us from any lingering doubt of Your acceptance, and give us hearts that long to please Your heart—in our words and in our actions. May others catch glimpses of Your character in our lives.

Here’s a song from Sidewalk Prophets challenging us to “Live Like That“.

*The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

 

Learn to Live

In this way you will learn to live in deep reverence before God, your God, as long as you live.
Deuteronomy 14:23b, MSG*

The Book of Deuteronomy contains Moses’ parting instructions to the people of Israel: how to live clean lives and worship God.

The laws, the schedule of sacrifices… some of the details don’t make a lot of sense to me, some (sea scallops are not kosher food) make me glad I’m a Gentile.

But here’s the point: Moses says this is how they’ll learn to live in deep reverence before God.

Isn’t that what we, as Christians, want?

Rigidity and legalism are not healthy.

Deep reverence for God is.

What I take from these chapters is the importance of intentional living. Within the flexibility of being led by God’s agenda and not my own, I need to practice certain habits:

  • daily time with God in prayer
  • reading His Word – the manual
  • asking His leading and guidance in the day
  • relying on His grace and presence
  • living with Him in the moment instead of racing ahead

Mighty and majestic God, You are worthy of our worship, honour and adoration. You could demand those things, but instead You invite them. Help us draw near to You. Open our eyes and hearts to be intentional in living with you—living for You. Then we will truly learn how to live.

May we take the Sidewalk Prophets‘ lead and “Live Like That.”

* The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson