WHY I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST (Part Three)

The third reason I believe in Jesus Christ is because of the transforming power of Christ and his Gospel that makes him the hope of the world. Political programs and parties come and go, but the Gospel of the kingdom of heaven is eternal. It is that Gospel which has motivated people to improve the living conditions of people, and care for them in their poverty, and sickness. It is Christ who lives in the needy of the world and who motivates his followers to do something about their condition. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

I believe in Jesus Christ because he speaks to my needs and the needs of a divided and hostile world. It is only in him that there can be peace. “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Eph 2:14). He is the peacemaker and he calls me to follow in his steps and be a peacemaker also. He offers to produce the fruit of His Spirit in my relationships with others: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These virtues I cannot practice without abiding in him, living with him, following him, on a daily basis.

Lastly, I believe in Jesus Christ because, as God is spirit, he is always present. He promised that he would be with us always.  That means that God is with me as I trust in him and follow where he leads me. It means I can do everything through him who gives me strength. This does not mean that life is always sunshine, and the way is always smooth. To walk with Jesus means walking the way of the Cross, as well as the way of the resurrection. It means sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death before attaining to the resurrection from the dead. It may mean being rejected and misunderstood as he was. It certainly means being a servant to others, humbling oneself, as he did. Heaven may be our goal and our prize, but there is much to do and to accomplish in this life. We are to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us by fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:1-2).

Why do I believe in Jesus Christ? Because he is my companion and guide, my brother and friend, my master and mentor, my Lord and my God. He soothes my sorrows and heals my wounds. I come to him, when I am weary and heavy-laden and find rest. I take his yoke upon me, and learn from him, for he is gentle and humble in heart and I find rest for my soul. He opens my blind eyes, and loves me, and calls me to serve him. He never lets me down. He has blessed me beyond measure. May you find the same to be true for you as you trust in him and follow him.

Pray with me: Lord Jesus, if you are all that is claimed please reveal yourself to me. Show me who you are and what you have done for me and the whole world in your coming amongst us. I open the door of my heart to you. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Heal me of my doubts and confusion. You know my need better than I do. Guide me in the way you want me to go. Give me your light upon my path. Help me to love. Comfort me with your presence. Forgive me of my sins. Amen.