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Comfortable with Jesus

I grew up in a Christian household. I went to church every time the doors were open. Congregational events took precedence over pretty much everything else in life. This upbringing is something I'm extremely grateful for, but it did lead to an interesting side effect; I was incredibly comfortable with Jesus.

I imagine that the majority of my readers also grew up going to church or at the very least have been a Christian for a while now. Most of us have heard the sermons and sat in the Bible classes that have talked about Jesus. Most of us, I would guess, are pretty comfortable with Jesus. We know who he is and we're kind of used to it.

We are used to hearing Jesus be called the Son of God. We are used to hearing Jesus be called the Messiah. We are used to hearing Jesus be called the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace, our Redeemer, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, and so on. We are used to it and are comfy in it. 

Have you ever thought about how crazy it all sounds?

Now, to preface this discussion, I DO believe that Jesus is all of these things. I believe 100% that Jesus is God incarnate. I'm also saying that for people who haven't really been around this kind of talk, it sounds crazy.

Have you ever stopped and thought about what we are saying when we talk about Jesus the way we do? We are saying that the most important time in history isn't right now or up ahead, but happened 2,000 years ago. We are saying that a man who lived in ancient Palestine is the ultimate authority over the whole universe. We are saying that this man, who was executed as a criminal, is alive today. We are saying that this man is the fullness of God revealed to us and is the only way to salvation.

In church we talk a lot about family issues, marriage issues, being a good steward, and a host of other things we've labeled as "practical." When was the last time you, either alone or your congregation, took time to reflect on Jesus. Who is he? What has he done? What is he continuing to do in our lives and world?

When I examine Jesus carefully I lose my sense of comfort that I've built up over the years. To call Jesus the Son of God is no trivial matter. It is, with no exaggeration, the most important thing you can claim. If Jesus really is the center of history, the ruler of the universe, and God incarnate how can I not follow him?

Jesus constantly challenges us to grow closer to God and to conform to his image. It is not a comfortable process, but it is a necessary one that brings joy greater than any we can imagine. Follow Jesus.

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