Being face-to-face with Jesus. Ponder that for a moment. When I think about being face-to-face with Jesus, I begin to yearn for a more personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. The human face with its vices of anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language comes face-to-face with the face of Jesus with its virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Our vulnerabilities and powerlessness are exposed. The outcomes of such a face-to-face encounter with Jesus causes a correction of beliefs and worldview which then demonstrates the practice of forbearance, forgiveness, love, unity, and the peace of Christ.
What is lacking in the life of many followers of Jesus and congregations is the power of the Holy Spirit. Without restoring a commitment to seek intimacy with God, whose power transforms the human heart and makes the people of God passionate to be his witnesses, through the power of the Holy Spirit, our efforts to change seem futile.
How can we get the power of God back? God is the one who gives “it”, the power. God seems to give “it” to those who want “it”; or more precisely, to those who want God and God’s will. We become distracted from a wholehearted pursuit of Jesus Christ.
Face-to-face with Jesus. Experiencing God’s love in Jesus Christ means experiencing that one has been unreservedly accepted, approved, and infinitely loved.
Let’s refocus on a face-to-face encounter with Jesus. Concentrate on two things: reading the Bible and praying. Let’s immerse ourselves in the Bible and believe that God speaks to us through the written page. Let’s pray more. We cannot live the Christian life without conversing with and listening to God. God hears our prayers and answers them. When we read the Bible and pray, we start to fall in love with Jesus again.
On the journey of Christian discipleship and spiritual formation with you, I remain faithfully yours,
Steve
The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh
Interim Pastor
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