Making Jesus Famous
2/26/2020
When it comes to famous, Jesus showed us how. He didn't go promoting himself. He sought everything the Father said and everything the Father did. He surrendered. He gave over His will. He received a dangerous assignment that eventually took His life. Fortunate for us, He stands at the right hand of the Father, and petitions on our behalf. Romans 8:34. He is alive! He is the Lord of all. This power, given to Him by His Father, God. We must remember this way of following always because high places like fame can wipe us out if we aren't careful. And God knows what's best for us.
Jesus made Himself of no reputation. Philippians 2:7-9
Yet, His Name is known far and wide.
This week, in my hometown of Nashville, NRB sounds its trumpet. People who work big and small, are rich and poor, arrive to share their Christian efforts in the media. In my heart, I yearn to be there, and I may visit one group for ice cream for just two hours.
As I stare at where I want to be making a difference in the Kingdom of God, surrender is the word on my lips. Jesus knows where I am. He sees my efforts. And my job is to lay down my life to help in a horrific situation where I've seen God surround me in a level of peace you can't find anywhere else. The details won't be shared as love covers a multitude of sins. I will tell you my heart has been shattered. My family has been shredded. I get up each day and search for Jesus to help me through.
One last thing. God is so fantastic. With all this going on, as I made my way two states away not knowing what the outcome would be, the Lord spoke to me. He wanted to tell me something national. In the middle of my severe situation, I felt in a place I journeyed God's presence. He said He was shriveling some women in political power. Then, he showed me a net He built through the efforts of the truckers that travel across America. These gruff and hard-working men were building a net to keep the U.S. going. They did the work and covered the nation. They didn't mind the assaulting words of a President that told it like it was. Or reacted from his emotions and lacked the polish politicians have used. God just wanted me to know He was well at work for our nation.
I felt a little like John the Baptist, not in his stature or position, but in hearing the good news in spite of the hell swirling in my world.
As I continue to petition the Lord to deal with these troubles that are beyond overwhelming, I will share a message of the Kingdom rolling forward. I will believe God's got my situation. I will hold onto the hope I have in Christ no matter what assails. And jokingly, I may not have a million followers but when we follow Jesus we can rest that He'll show us what He wants us to do.
And If one or two read this, and can pray for my situation, I would be forever grateful.
The painting here is by the artist Carl Heinrich Bloch, painted in 1881. It should be public domain.
