Where Is Jesus?

Jesus said, “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”--John 12:32

Once I read a church newsletter while pretending that I was an unbeliever considering going to church. Would I be interested in finding out more about what this particular church emphasized?Most of what was written could have been left unsaid. There were a few articles that contained the popular Christian psycho-babble. Some activities were listed with the encouragement that if I, or someone I sent, attended, it would be life changing. I knew better than that! The newsletter was well planned and laid out, it had a certain appeal, but every attempt to interest the reader only prompted my conviction that these words had no power. Noticeably absent in the several pages was any mention of Jesus. 

As I read, I wanted to be able to say something that would communicate the discovery of life. All the phrases that came to mind were worn out, holding very little meaning because of overuse. What could I say that was new?  Then the Spirit whispered, “Speak of Jesus in My power. In My power the same old word is always new!” I was reminded of visiting in another country the most successful missionary that I personally know. When I asked the secret of success, he responded, “I only speak of Jesus. I have not spent years understanding the culture or the language; I have only spoken of Jesus.” 

To stand back and objectively listen as a believer witnesses to someone certainly does not sound that dynamic. In fact, the words may have often been said before by others. Freedom from self, sin, the world, the rejection and hurt of others, money for which the world clamors, worry, or fear, all such talk from those who abide in His power is different, not in content so much as in power. Then it is not merely said to another that God loves him; the listener can sense God’s loving him through the speaker. Each day in Christ is new, exciting, and appealing.

- Mike Wells