MISSING GOD

missing (verb): failing to comprehend, sense, or experience; misunderstanding 

“…You’re at a dead end. If you won’t believe I am who I say I am, you’re at the dead end of sins. You’re missing God in your lives.” John 8:24

Jesus was speaking to a huge crowd of people in the temple. Questions were coming at him from all sides. Religious leaders were critical–trying to find contradictions in his teaching.

But Jesus kept sharing the truth of who he was and why he came.

He taught about judgment and grace, about laws and freedom, about lies and truth. And he talked about his Father who sent him and the goodness he has for us.

And he said that some of us are missing it. Missing him.

I bet that I would have felt like many of the people in the temple crowd that day. They were curious about Jesus, checking him out, wondering if he really was the Messiah sent to save them. He was definitely compelling and different than any other teacher they’d heard before, yet they couldn’t completely commit to what he was proposing.

To go from curiosity to trust was going to require a massive stretch.

Doesn’t it still sometimes?

Isn’t it hard to completely trust him with every single thing?

Jesus understands. And he is so patient. He didn’t give up on the people who were checking him out in the temple, and he doesn’t give up on any of us today. Even with the skepticism, the criticism, the resistance that comes at him, he remains strong and true and clear. He came from the Father above and has gone back to prepare a place for us. He cares deeply about those of us who are stuck at a dead end–interested, wondering, but not sure about surrendering our hearts to his.

“…for if you do not believe that I am He [Whom I claim to be—if you do not adhere to, trust in, and rely on Me], you will die in your sins.”  John 8:24 AMP

He doesn’t want to miss us, either. So he will keep inviting us, offering himself as our savior and redeemer and friend, until the day we die.

Let’s make sure that we don’t miss out on all that God has for us in life…and in death.

Invite him in: Thank him for his persistence and his patience. Jesus is standing in front of you with open arms, offering you his free and forever gift of salvation. Let his light and truth break through your doubts and questions. Read his words and talk to him as you go through this day.  He is faithful, he is good, and he is who he says he is.