Have you ever found yourself speaking of the Gospel in a way that makes it sound like Jesus is there as a kind of spiritual social welfare package? We say things like, Come to Jesus and He will bring real meaning in your life. Are you lonely? Come to Jesus and He will be your best friend. Do you lack direction? Come to Jesus and He will give you purpose. I’m sure all these things are true; Jesus really does comfort us and give us meaning. But are they the reasons we come to Him? Do we come to Jesus for the “benefits package” He offers?
There are people who will do anything to gain the blessings God has. They will faithfully attend church, give their money, go on long pilgrims to special conferences, even abuse their own bodies to gain the pleasure of God and receive His favor. I have met people who have given up music, watching TV, closed down their Facebook account, and in their stead performed long fasts and prayed on their knees just to get the Almighty to smile upon them.
Jesus, however, offers us no preconditions. He did not institute seven things to stop doing before you can have Him as you own. He did not list four attitudes or a list of qualities you need to have if you want Him to pay attention to you.
Jesus simply said that He was the Door, the only door to life, abundant life. Jesus said, “All who enter through me will be saved and the will find green pastures” (John 10:9). It is through the Door Jesus, not our goodness, worthiness, fasts or morality. Nor do we try to climbing over the wall to find purpose or direction in our lives. We must come to the Door Jesus and enter through Him.
Taking a selfie in front of the door doesn't count. Nor does admiring how lovely it is. We must enter through Jesus if we are to find green pastures.
Father, I have spent enough of my time seeking what you offer without seeking you. I come to you through the way you have provided, with nothing to offer, clinging to the promise that you open the door to all who come through Jesus.
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