Jesus People - Becoming Unshakeable
As the world leaves 2020 behind and looks forward to a new year, many are hoping for a better, more stable year. What the world experienced last year was prophesied by Jesus in Matthew 24. These shakings or birth pains will continue with more frequency and greater intensity. Jesus said, ‘this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come (14). There is a bigger storyline being played out. All are invited into God’s big picture.
In uncertain and unstable times it is possible to build one’s life, marriage, family and Church on a solid, unshakeable foundation. Foundations determine size, strength, longevity and ability to withstand storms. That which is true in construction is also true in a person’s life. The Psalmist asks, ‘If the foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do.’ (Psalm 11:3) If there was ever a time to examine, repair and build right foundations it is now. It is a pivotal moment in history, the world has changed and will never be the same. The Church has also changed, a dismantling and pruning that has been taking place. King Jesus is recalibrating and aligning his bride to Her original purpose.
Paul said that, ‘..no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.’ Jesus is the only firm foundation for a person’s life. Jesus is the only firm foundation for every marriage. Jesus is the only foundation for every ministry and Church.
To be unshakeable a person needs the correct foundation: Jesus. Here are four ways to lay the foundation of Jesus Christ. These are relational, active, two way and not merely theoretical.
1. Know the person of Jesus
One cannot read the book of Acts or the epistles without being struck by those early Christians who loved Jesus Christ. He had become everything to them. He was glorious, majestic, Holy, real and a daily lifeline. The Apostle John put it this way:
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--- this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 1 John 1:1
Read the first five chapters of Acts and see how the person of Jesus features in the lives of early believers. A Jesus People are emerging who will again be intimately joined to their King. They will be fascinated and deeply in love with their Saviour.
2. Become intimate with Jesus’ work
The work of Jesus Christ through the Cross is the most significant event in history. It made possible the staggering, mind-blowing reality of reconciliation for all people with the living God. ‘God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.’ (2 Cor 5:21) Thus he made it possible for God to dwell in humans. Paul spoke of it as the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations; ‘..the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.’ (Col 1:27)
A Jesus People are coming who will be filled with the Holy Spirit and live in union with Christ. They will be carriers of God’s presence and his life will emanate from them. These people will live in the daily reality of the provision of the cross and walk in newness of life and power because of Christ’s accomplishments.
3. Align to Jesus’ teaching
Christ followers must have renewed commitments to his teaching. Jesus himself taught that knowing and practicing his words will give a person firm foundations.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)
Jesus people who orient their lives to the teaching of the Saviour, regardless of modern trends and popular opinions will stand firm and unshakeable. They will pledge allegiance to the one who is truth and build their lives upon eternal, unchanging words.
4. Join Jesus’ mission
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Jesus’ Great commission still stands! It is the Great commission of the King. He promises to never leave us as we join him in his Great Mission. The greatest harvest the world has ever seen is waiting to be brought into the Kingdom. We must pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers. We must also become the answers to those prayers by obeying and going!
This is relational and rooted in living daily with Jesus by the help and power of the Holy Spirit in us. ‘Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith.’ (Heb 12:2)
2021 is time for a Jesus people who are committed to him, living in the reality of his work, reordering their lives to his teaching and committed to his Mission to GO MAKE DISCIPLES.