Thought for the Month - February 2014

"Sir, we would see Jesus" by Barry Adair
(Who do they see in me?)

Etched into the pulpit at the front of the Grove are a few choice words. They were there on the previous pulpit too. They simply say this…

"Sir we would see Jesus."

That's them in the photo above. The language maybe has dated a little but its simple message remains the same. The voice of man should be silent, Jesus should have the pre-eminence.

We used to have the pulpit photo on the front page of our website. In fact, we received an email about it a number of years ago. The email was from an American Pastor who had seen the photo and then preached on its simple message in his church the next Sunday. He was writing to let us know that after the sermon a lady humbly responded by asking Jesus to be her personal Saviour.

As we remember Jesus' earthly ministry of reaching out and touching a lost and needy world, we should remember that the true church of Jesus Christ was tasked with continuing that work.

So does the world see Jesus in the true church of Jesus Christ?

Do they see Jesus in Grove Baptist Church?

Do they see Jesus in you and me?

Imagine being back in 1st century Israel. Imagine sitting near the Sea of Galilee listening to Jesus? Imagine being in His company!

They said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32)

When Jesus talked, hearts would stir inside.

When Jesus preached, lives were changed for eternity.

When Jesus commanded "come forth", even the dead responded!

Jesus took time to get alongside people, especially those in need. And Jesus always did what His Heavenly Father asked Him to do, even going to His death on a Roman cross for you and me.

Let's not kid ourselves, we are all sinful human creatures and simply cannot be compared to the Lord Jesus Christ. We don't even come close. And yet if we yield ourselves to God, He can and will use us. The world can see a reflection of Jesus in us if we allow Him to dwell in us and shape our lives for His glory.

But to use us He needs all of us…

While passing through this world of sin,
And others your life shall view,
Be clean and pure without, within;
Let others see Jesus in you.

Then live for Christ both day and night,
Be faithful, be brave and true,
and lead the lost to life and Christ.
Let others see Jesus in you.

Who do they see in me?

Sir, we would see Jesus." (John 12:21, KJV)

(All Bible quotations are from the NASB unless stated)

Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven? Read this if you're not!