Heat

Jesus saves. 


That’s what we say.  And I believe it. 


Jesus saves all who choose to let him do it, and there are countless stories of those who have.  The alcoholic, the addict, the adulterer – thousands claim the only way they found rescue from the chains of slavery that bound them is because they let Jesus break those chains.  They let him destroy those chains and replace them with heartstrings, attached only to Him and his promises of hope and redemption and freedom.


There are others who save in this world.  Lawyers save reputations.  Counselors save marriages.  Bankers save businesses.


A lovely woman in my Bible study recently brought up her son. He used to be a firefighter.


Firefighters certainly understand what it means to save.  A firefighter doesn’t think about the risk, doesn’t worry about the possibilities, doesn’t consider the consequences.  A firefighter rushes into a burning building with a single purpose - to save.  It doesn’t matter to him who is in the building, or why.  Doesn’t matter what they look like or who they love or how messy their past might be.  A firefighter runs straight into fire . . . straight through fire . . . intent on rescue no matter the cost.


What if we rushed to save like that? 


What if we didn’t think about the risks?  I mean, really . . . what are a few hurt feelings anyway?  A little embarrassment?  Wounded pride?  We are lucky to live in America, my friends - it's not as if we're going to lose our lives because we share Jesus.  We aren’t running into buildings engulfed in flames here, and yet . . . we are, aren’t we?


People are burning.  They are on fire with their sin, gasping for breath from the scalding weight of it.  They are in danger . . . dying from the heat of their pain and their doubt and their hopelessness . . . and we should be running towards them without fear because we have the good news that can set them free. 


We have Jesus.  The Living Water.  The One who can put out every fire.


There are many who save things – important things - in this world.  There are even many who save lives.  But only Jesus can save souls.  And if we claim to serve this saver of souls . . . this Savior of ours . . . shouldn’t we be running into the fire with him every chance we get?

“Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.”

Proverbs 25:25

Tis' The Season

Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come.  The month has arrived and the race is set to begin.  The contestants have taken their places on the starting line, and nervous energy bounces and crackles between them.  Anticipation hangs in the crisp December air and the stadium is packed with eager spectators.  The bell rings and they’re off like a shot!  The crowd erupts in cheers as they surge ahead, faces set in serious concentration, eyes focused solely on the rush towards the finish.  They push and shove and grab at the things in their path – lights, trees, wreaths, bows.  They agonize about stocking stuffers, toil over gingerbread houses, and search for the world’s cutest picture to put on the front of a card.  They rack their brains to come up with elf tricks, fretting and fussing to make every second count as they check off the items on their lengthy must-do lists.   Over and over they shop, purchase, wrap and label, as the minutes speed by until the twenty-fifth day.  

Y’all . . . I get it.  December is nuts.  We look forward to the holiday season all year long, and then we find ourselves panicked and frustrated because budgets are tight, parking spaces are allusive, and our children can’t seem to summon even an ounce of gratitude while scouring the dozens of toy catalogs that arrive in the mailbox each afternoon.  It’s the same thing every year - we become so focused on finding the perfect gift for everyone in our lives that we forget the greatest gift ever given is the reason we’re celebrating in the first place.

That stadium of spectators?  That crowd of people?  They ARE paying attention.  Christians, let’s never forget we always have an audience.  And right now, as we experience the advent season and prepare for the coming of our King, the whole world is watching.  

What will these people do to honor that glorious day God came to dwell among them?

Will they spend more time fighting over their place in line than fighting to provide peace?  Will they invest more in presents under the tree than in being present in the lives of their neighbors?  Will they sacrifice their patience instead of their plenty?

This is our chance, my friends.  This is an opportunity we simply can’t afford to miss.  We have a captive audience and we can show them what Christmas is all about.  We can put aside all our good intentions to provide the best gifts for our families, and instead, we can provide the best gift of all time . . . to the world.

I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Romans 1:16-17

Am I ashamed of the gospel?

A Christmas tree stands tall and proud in our family room, covered in lights, crosses of all shapes and sizes dangling from its branches.

But am I ashamed of the gospel?

There are nativities in our kitchen, foyer, dining room, and basement, their statues a reminder of that night in a Bethlehem manger.

But am I ashamed of the gospel?

We read aloud from our Jesse tree devotional each night, listening in awe to the Old Testament stories that paved the way for a Savior to come.

BUT AM I ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL?

Have I told anyone about that Savior this week?  Have I shared the prophecies that for centuries whispered His name?  Have I mentioned that holy night when Mary held the Son of God in her very arms, tiny and precious and exactly what the Bible promised all along?

The gospel is good news for ALL to hear.  It is the gift of the season – HE is the gift of the season.  And gifts are always meant to be given away.

I pray we will not be ashamed of the gospel this Christmas season.  I pray we will announce the good news every chance we get, to every person who needs to hear it.