October 15th, 20

GOT LIFE?

Today’s readings are Malachi 3- 4, Psalm 148, and Acts 5.  We are reading from the New Living Translation.

Jerusalem is burning with a message and these men cannot be stopped. They will declare this message that is burning within them.  It is setting the world ablaze.  Do you know what this message is? It has nothing to do with politics or  personal agendas.  The message is LIFE!  

But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, “Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!”  (Acts 5:19-20)

That’s it.  It’s that simple.  That is the Gospel – the Good News!  It’s life here and life now, not just a ticket to heaven in the sweet by and by.  It’s not about the Sadducees versus the Pharisees or the left versus the right. It’s this simple – it’s life.  That is so good because that is what we need and long for.  We can spend so much of our time and energy on things that are far from life – that diminish us and take away from us.  Focussing only on our past, our failures, our messed up relationships, our controlling fears – robs life from us.  But the angel reminds them clearly – as he reminds us, that the message is so simple.  Go tell them in the temple, that there is life. That’s the message.  Jesus came to give us life, and life abundant.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (Jn 10:10 ESV)

How do you get this life?  Luke tells us plainly:

And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.” (Acts 5:42 NLT)

Jesus is the Messiah – the One who has delivered us from death so that we can have life!  He offers us forgiveness, hope, courage, strength, and life – here, now, today.  

Do you want life today?  Turn your heart to Jesus.  Let him speak hope, courage, and forgiveness into your heart today.  He is the message.  Jesus the Messiah has come to give you life.  May His life be fully formed in you. (Gal 4:19)

You are loved!