Introducing Jesus

John 4:1-29

Revelation 1:17, 18

¹⁷ And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

¹⁸ I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

The book of Revelation, is one of the most unusual and least preached books of the Bible.  In verses 17 and18 of the very first chapter, Jesus speaks to and introduces Himself to John.  You might wonder why Jesus felt it necessary to identify Himself to John.  I believe He did for the same reason He identifies Himself to us today – we have become somewhat confused about the identity of God!  Don't be alarmed. God has not changed – it is we who have changed.  We have so drifted from God, and watered down His standards, we have been left with a warped identity of God.

Some of us believe that what God instructed the authors to write centuries ago does not apply today.  We forgot that He said He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  We forgot that He declared that heaven and earth will pass away, but His word will never pass away.  Some of us believe God is like humans.  Humans are limited in every way imaginable.  Humans lie, change their mind or forget.  The scriptures remind us that God is not a man, that He should lie; or the son of men that He should repent of a lie!

Some of us are of the opinion that God makes up rules as He goes along, or that He is in the business of being popular.  Some of us believe God conducts polls and makes His decisions based upon the going trend.  Some of us believe God wants us to suffer and always live beneath our potential.  Some of us have sinned and we believe there is no hope for us; that we are destined to live a life of strife and turmoil.  Some of us believe that our supervisor ,  friends, relatives or the government have the final say so over our lives.

To all of this I respond: we need to be re-introduced to Jesus!  Let me remind you who Jesus really is.  He is Alpha and Omega, the first and the last!  He existed before creation, took part in the creation, and will be part of the destruction of this world and the creation of the new heaven and earth!  Jesus is all powerful.  When He rose from the dead He declared that all power  had been given to Him.  The Lord declared that righteousness exalts a nation and sin is a reproach to any people.  The Bible declares that the nation that forgets God will be turned into hell. Just ask Noah, or Enoch, or Elijah if God is concerned with a majority.  The last time I read the scripture, I saw the words, “…if God be for us, He is more than the world against us…”  and, “…one shall chase a thousand and two ten thousand…” 

Have we forgotten that anyone with authority only has authority because God willed it so? Furthermore, when they abuse that authority, they have to answer to God. Have we forgotten that Jesus came that we might have life and life more abundantly?  If you have done wrong, have you forgotten that if you confess your sin, He is faithful and just to forgive you, and cleanse you from all unrighteousness?  Did you forget that the word of God says that the righteous man falleth seven times?  If someone attempts to make you feel guilty, remind yourself that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

My friends, be not dismayed. God is still God.  He is still holy and He requires that we live holy.  He will never leave you nor forsake you.  He hears us when we cry.  He is a protector and provider.  He is a way-maker.  God is a healer and a deliverer.  He is a comforter, a savior, a friend and advocate.

Perhaps you are going through a storm in your life.  Let me introduce you to Jesus who will not only be in the storm with you, but can tell the waves and winds to cease.  Perhaps you’re experiencing a fiery trial in your life.  Let me introduce you to Jesus. He was in the fire with the Hebrew boys, but didn’t come out. Perhaps you have died spiritually, or seemingly lost everything.  If Jesus raised Lazarus, he can resurrect your career and ministry. 

My friends, allow me to introduce you to Jesus.  He is the way, the truth and the life.  Perhaps you know someone who has forgotten how awesome Jesus is.  Share the gospel with them.  If you can’t think of a verse, share your testimony.  Let’s introduce Jesus to a dying world today.

I bless you in the name of the Lord!