Jesus comes into our lives to live there, but when he comes in can we hide him in a closet?
“Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence a secret.” Mark 7:24, NIV.
Jesus was tired after ministering to the multitudes and needed rest. He came to a disciple’s house where he hoped to take a well deserved personal Sabbath. However, he couldn't hide from those looking for Him, and soon the house is a target of people with needs and problems.
If you trust Jesus as your Savior some things begin to happen, he will come in and be felt. He starts work in your life and is committed to it until the very end. You may not notice it but others will. You can’t keep Jesus hidden in a little part of your life and go on like business as usual. His being there is going to draw attention, you can’t be a secret disciple for long. People are hungry for what Jesus offers; love, peace, forgiveness, salvation acceptance with God and community, and if you have Jesus then people are going to see these things in you.
The job of His Spirit is to reveal Him to the world and the Holy Spirit will reveal Jesus is in us to those around us. People are going to comment when they recognize that Jesus is living with you. Perhaps they are going to compliment you on a good deed or your changed thoughtful character. When the fruit of the spirit such as love, joy, peace etc, begins to grow they will see it and wonder.
Jesus paid a price to buy salvation for you, so is persecution too great a price for us to pay to have Jesus? Jesus brings peace to our hearts but also puts a sword in the hands of those who hate him. Following Jesus is risky, he was killed and the mindset of those who hate him is alive today and seeks to hurt Him still. To hide that Jesus has come into our lives is the same as denying Jesus, most devoted Christians consider denying the Lord worst than persecution.
One woman who came to the house where Jesus was staying was marvelously healed of a horrible illness. Could we have robbed others of healing and blessing by trying to hide our Jesus? Have our loved ones been struggling in the dark because we have kept the light of Jesus hidden?
Since he can’t or won’t be hidden let us boldly proclaim him.
“Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence a secret.” Mark 7:24, NIV.
Jesus was tired after ministering to the multitudes and needed rest. He came to a disciple’s house where he hoped to take a well deserved personal Sabbath. However, he couldn't hide from those looking for Him, and soon the house is a target of people with needs and problems.
If you trust Jesus as your Savior some things begin to happen, he will come in and be felt. He starts work in your life and is committed to it until the very end. You may not notice it but others will. You can’t keep Jesus hidden in a little part of your life and go on like business as usual. His being there is going to draw attention, you can’t be a secret disciple for long. People are hungry for what Jesus offers; love, peace, forgiveness, salvation acceptance with God and community, and if you have Jesus then people are going to see these things in you.
The job of His Spirit is to reveal Him to the world and the Holy Spirit will reveal Jesus is in us to those around us. People are going to comment when they recognize that Jesus is living with you. Perhaps they are going to compliment you on a good deed or your changed thoughtful character. When the fruit of the spirit such as love, joy, peace etc, begins to grow they will see it and wonder.
Jesus paid a price to buy salvation for you, so is persecution too great a price for us to pay to have Jesus? Jesus brings peace to our hearts but also puts a sword in the hands of those who hate him. Following Jesus is risky, he was killed and the mindset of those who hate him is alive today and seeks to hurt Him still. To hide that Jesus has come into our lives is the same as denying Jesus, most devoted Christians consider denying the Lord worst than persecution.
One woman who came to the house where Jesus was staying was marvelously healed of a horrible illness. Could we have robbed others of healing and blessing by trying to hide our Jesus? Have our loved ones been struggling in the dark because we have kept the light of Jesus hidden?
Since he can’t or won’t be hidden let us boldly proclaim him.
(c) Adron 4/18/10
