April 27th

The Essential Elements of Redemption

And it came to pass, on that very same day, that the LORD brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt according to their armies. Exodus 12:51

Life with Jesus is just that-life. What's the alternative? Well, life without Jesus is a lot of things.

First, life without Jesus is a life of lust. It is a life filled with desire for things that do not belong to us, for things that our flesh wants for the sake of satisfying its own desires. It is a life of selfishness, self-pleasing, self-appeasing, and self-exalting. This is a life that is lonely and fearful, left on our own, feeling like we have to take care of ourselves because we have refused to put our trust in a God who provides for all our needs.

Second, life without Jesus is a life of ignorance. The world knows that it has a hole in its heart, but it thinks you can fill it with stuff, status, or sex. None of these things fulfill people's true needs, so they think they need more of what already didn't work for them and they fuel their lusts with their ignorance.

Third, life without Jesus is a life of aimlessness. It's life in the dark, and when you can't see, it's hard to know where you're going. That's why the world pursues this thing and that thing, but none of it really matters. It's like, Well, I tried money and I wasn't happy, so I had an affair. That was painful, so I tried counseling. That didn't work, so I tried meditation. That felt like a waste of time, so I buried myself in my career. That got me money again, but I'm still not happy. It's aimless.

Fourth, life without Jesus is a life that is held back by traditions. Well, my parents raised me to know that it was important to have a successful career and they always bought the best toys that were available. It's just what people do. Yeah, well, were your parents happy with their lives, or were they just slaves to what they did? And how is that working out for you?

Jesus came to redeem us out of this old life. He came to give us a new life that really lives up to its name-life.

And the important part of this for you is simply this: Whatever it is you're pursuing determines who you're becoming. Whatever it is that you're pursuing, whatever it is you're focusing on, whatever it is you're going after is determining who you are, what you're becoming, and where you will ultimately end up.

So pursue Jesus. Let the old life go. Cross over into a life of redemption. Come begin real life.

Prayer Lord Jesus,

Thank You that You have life for me that is so much better and more real than everything I have tried to live until now! I freely give You my old life and ask You to give me something new. I want to live real life!

Amen