2 Corinthians 3:18

They called Him a man of sorrows. Jesus more than anyone else understood the state of the world. He knew what perfection was like, and when He lived on this world, He understood to what depth this world had fallen. Human suffering and the curse of sin were to be seen everywhere. He knew how far humanity had fallen, but He never gave up on us. Even at the cross, when the whole world seemed to have abandoned Him, He believed in us. He gave up everything that we mere mortals might have a possibility of salvation.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

We are changed by beholding. Not by trying or fighting. Our attempts to change will always be non-effective. Our battle is not with sin, but our battle is to keep our eyes on Jesus, that is the fight of faith. I know full well what evil lurks in every corner of our world. We understand that this world is falling apart and we see the signs of the end. But, this should NOT be our focus. Our attention is on the Love and Beauty of Jesus. Only His love can transform us, only His peace can settle our hearts. We are changed daily as we look at the life of Jesus.

There is so much wrong with this world, but there is also so much good God has put into our poor world. Every day our news and media wants to tell us what is wrong with this world. We Christians can proclaim what is right with Jesus. His love is stronger than the evil that pulls us down. Do not be despondent my friends, we have a God who has overcome the world. Be of good cheer, we really do have a friend in Jesus!

Connected to the Vine

-Pastor Danny