In the vast expanse of the Southern Sea, a lone sailor, Tony Bullimore, faced a perilous ordeal during the Vendee Globe round-the-world single-handed race. Imagine the isolation, exhaustion, and emotional turmoil as his capsized boat left him stranded for four agonizing days. In those desperate moments, Bullimore's rescue by the Australian Navy felt nothing short of a miracle, giving him a new lease on life.
Isn't this the Christian testimony? We were once dead to God, our purpose, and our destiny, until Christ's miraculous rescue brought us from the brink of spiritual death to life.
Yesterday, in our church, I shared Tony’s story and the profound analogy it draws to our spiritual journey. We have now begun a new series, "Famous Last Words," leading up to Easter. This series delves into the last words of Jesus before His crucifixion, providing a fresh perspective on the significance of His sacrifice for our lives.
We spent time together considering Jesus last supper table conversation as found in John 14:1-10 and focused on the comfort Jesus brought his friends. Like the disciples, who faced uncertainty and anxiety as Jesus foretold His death and betrayal, we too grapple with challenges in our lives.
Jesus, in His reassuring sense of authority, declared to the disciples, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me." He declared Himself as the way, the truth, and the life, urging them and us to keep Him central as we navigate our various concerns.
Our troubles may vary—from financial strain to relational stress, or to fears about the future. Just as Jesus comforted the disciples in their anxious moment, His word is meant to resonate with us today. Understanding that Jesus is God with us offers a profound counter to whatever troubles we face.
Because Jesus is God - the God of the universe, of all history, of all humanity, of all eternity, then: he is creative, and merciful, and redeeming, and full of hope for us amid our challenges.
By committing His words as promises to our troubles, we find faith to overcome. Whether financial pain, troubled relationships, or fear of the unknown, boldly declaring that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life through them all transforms our perspective and our prospects!
As we launch into this Easter season, let's listen to the famous last words of Jesus with fresh ears and open hearts. May His words build our faith in this important season of our calendar year!
See you in church on Sunday.