I am on a short but needed sabbatical from my music position at church, so I am visiting other churches for worship in January. Yesterday I went to The Rock with my daughter and son, and I was blessed by the pastor's words. He preached about Joseph (Old Testament), and he made some big points. I'm not going to steal his thunder because they were his words, but I want to share something simple but profound that he said: everything points to Jesus. Everything. Not a few things. Everything.
Think about it.
I am in a time of searching, seeking, and listening for God's voice concerning my life and my future ministry, and everything points to Jesus. Everything in my life has been preparing me to serve Him, love Him, and honor Him. And I don't just mean the good stuff. God has allowed me to go through some nasty junk, but He has used it to teach me about compassion (still working on that one, BTW), forgiveness, humility . . . He has not wasted one thing in my life, but has used it all to point to Him. I'm reminded of that song that is used at many weddings -- "Bless the Broken Road" --, but ever since I heard it sung as an ode to God, I think of the lyrics differently: "I couldn't see how everything pointed straight to You, but every long lost dream led me to where You are. Others who broke my heart . . . they were just northern stars leading me on my way into Your loving arms . . . This much I know is true: God blessed the broken road that led me straight to You." So again, I am reminded that everything points to Jesus.
If you are suffering today, for whatever reason, let your suffering draw you closer to God. If you have been hurt by people and life's unfair circumstances, let these things draw you closer to Jesus, the one who suffered on the cross for you because He loves you so much. If you have been blessed, let your praise and thanksgiving point straight to God. Let everything in your life be an arrow, pointing you directly to the One who gives you life and desires for you to live abundantly in His grace. You will never be sorry that you got in His boat and paddled in His direction. He is waiting with anticipation.
Thanks, Kevin (Pastor Kevin Childs, The Rock) for reminding me once again of this eternal truth. Your God-inspired sermon pointed to Jesus, and I was blessed.
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