An Evening Out!

November 17, 2022

An Evening Out!

As my wife and I enjoyed a quiet evening eating out earlier this week, a young man sitting a couple of tables from us expressed his surprise at something someone shared with him.  In a very loud voice he exclaimed, “Jeeezzz—uuusss!!!  What was he thinking?!?!”

His exclamation was not a word of praise to the Lord God.  His cry was not a word of wonder for a miracle of Jesus.  His shout was not a word of worship to a holy God.  His shriek was in response to hearing what a friend had done earlier in the day.

I don’t know anything about the young man’s spiritual life nor his relationship with the Lord.  All I heard was the name of Jesus used in a way that was not one of admiration for or worship of the Son of God.  I will let God be the judge of that young man’s heart and mouth.

But it made we wonder about those who do not love Jesus with all their heart; there are lots who do not!  Shortly after Jesus tells the crowd that He will die soon, the Apostle John makes an observation about people who do not believe in Jesus. 

In John 12:37 the Apostle writes; “Although he (Jesus) had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him.”  John tells us three things about the unbelievers in the crowd;

+Jesus performed many signs/miracles for them

+Jesus performed those signs/miracles in the presence of many people

+Jesus’ signs/miracles did not convince everyone to believe in Jesus

Again, I am not going to judge those who have seen all kinds of Jesus’ signs and wonders but do not yet believe.  I refuse to give up on those who are far from God because Jesus does not give up on them.  In Luke 19:10 Jesus says; “For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”

Jesus left heaven and was born in a manger to seek out and save the lost.

Jesus suffered ridicule and betrayal and rejection to seek out and save the lost.

Jesus died a terrible death to seek out and save the lost.

Jesus was raised from death to life to seek out and save the lost.

Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to seek out and save the lost.

Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father to seek out and save the lost.

Jesus loves the young man at the restaurant.  Jesus is seeking him just as eagerly as Jesus is seeking you and me.  Jesus is doing all He can to save that young man just like He is doing all He can to save you and me.  Jesus died to bridge the gap between that young man and God just like Jesus died to bridge the gap between you and me and God.

I am amazed at Jesus’ love for those who do not yet believe in Him.  Although Jesus knew there were many who refused to believe in Him as Savior and Lord, Jesus continues to head towards the cross.  Jesus does not give up on any of us…EVER!

When we know that Jesus will not give up on us, will not abandon us, and will not forget about us something changes deep inside of our heart.  The assurance of Jesus’ love (even when we use Jesus’ name in less than a holy way!) releases delight in our heart.

I imagine you know someone who has not yet invited Jesus’ to fill every space in their heart, mind, and soul with the power and presence of His love.  Consider taking a moment this week to share a cup of coffee and a little conversation with your friend.  Tell them how much Jesus loves you and loves them.

Remember the promise of Jesus; Jesus came to seek out and save the lost!

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug

P.S. Please invite someone to join our blog community today.  Maybe the Holy Spirit will use these words to change their life.