Sitting at God’s right hand, Jesus is the source of our strength
By Dean Collins
Where do we go when we want help? I guess it depends. If you want to find a fair and balanced review of the value of a product or service, an organization like Consumer Reports might help you make the best decision. If you need to navigate a contract, then a lawyer might be your best choice. The writers of the New Testament Scriptures interpreted all of life’s decisions and even history itself through the lens of Jesus. They understood that Jesus is for all time the centerpiece of history, the creator of the universe, the basis of salvation, and the King of kings whose kingdom will reign forever.
Jesus is not only the right theological choice, he is the wisest and the most practical one to turn to in the good times, the hard times, and in all times in between.
As followers of Christ and servant leaders in our families, jobs, church, and world, we know Jesus is the safe and secure one. It is by his grace and mercy that we live. His love is what we share, and his life is the foundation for our lives.
The radiance of God
The writer of Hebrews gets right to the point in the first few lines of this beautiful letter. God has spoken over all of time and in various ways, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son.
“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. “
The challenges of life
Over many years of leadership, I have been faced with challenges I could never have imagined. Financial challenges, legal problems, people problems, sickness, a global pandemic, banking crisis, political chaos, and complexities I simply could not anticipate or adequately prepare for. But the hardest moments we face in life are the moments when we experience the surprise diagnosis or the quick and unexpected death of someone close. And the younger the person, the harder it is to process and know what to do.
In the last two years, I have seen this up close in the leadership of Point University. The husband of one leader died suddenly at age 47. The wife of another received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, fought hard, and died in her late 60s. Just a few days ago another senior leader lost her husband in the wee hours of the morning to an apparent heart attack at age 40. I am feeling now what some of you are feeling as you read these lines. Shock, sadness, pain, and sorrow. We all know too well the journey of grief, the chaos of those first few days and weeks, the long road of healing, and the pain that is always there even as it lessens its grip over time.
The only place
The only place I know to go in times like these is to Jesus. I have followed him throughout my life. I have studied his Word formally and frequently. I have sought wisdom and guidance through prayer and through godly men and women. I have studied human behavior, psychology, counseling, and marriage and family therapy. I have practiced helping others professionally in different jobs, helping both individuals and organizations. And with all of my training and experience, I find myself running to Jesus in moments like this.
I go to Jesus because I have learned that when things are unknown or unstable, Jesus is solid ground. When we don’t understand, Jesus does. When we don’t know our way forward, Jesus will lead us. When we need rest, Jesus provides. When wisdom is lacking on what to do, Jesus will direct us or send us someone who will help us. When all is dark, he is the light.
Hebrews 1 reminds us that Jesus is God’s best and perfect offering of love and forgiveness. But he is more. Angels know his glory and worship him. And while his throne and scepter are eternal and he is high and lifted up, it is in our hardest moments that he still comes to us because he loves righteousness and he will not let wickedness have the final word. God anointed him with the Holy Spirit, and he pours out his oil of gladness freely. He also called us, as part of his kingdom to allow the Holy Spirit to flow through us and toward others in their great time of need.
Fully dressed
In every great need we go to Jesus. Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:17 that our next step as followers of Jesus is to dress properly to be his hands and feet when those around us need Jesus.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another.…”
Fully dressed in Christ we reach out to those in need and trust that Jesus will use us to express his love and kindness on his behalf. Our actions reveal the love of Christ to those in need. They may not fully understand or feel what God is doing in these moments of stress and grief, but the oil of gladness poured out through us will begin to seep into the vastness of grief and bring healing in due time.
No matter how many times we experience difficulty or see others in great trouble, our best and most reliable place to go is to Jesus. He will show us the way forward.
Your time with God’s Word
Hebrews 1:1-9; Acts 10:38; Colossians 3:12-17 ESV
Photo by Joel Muniz at unsplash.com
To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page.
To download a printable version of today’s post, click here.
