The Life Changing Power of Jesus
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” Isaiah 61:1 ESV
Hey friend!
What is your favorite worship song? If you are like me, that’s a difficult question to answer. I have so many favorites that it’s hard to narrow it down to just one. Each favorite song of mine speaks to my soul in a different way but there is one song that seems to stick out more than the others. This song inspires me but also challenges and convicts me as well; and friend, I’ll never forget the day that God got my attention with it in a restaurant parking lot.
Several weeks ago, my husband and I had met for lunch and something caught my eye as we were leaving the restaurant. I nudged my husband and whispered to him to look over to his left. For a moment, it felt like time stood still. It was as if everything around me stopped and the only thing taking place was me and what had caught my gaze.
In the most beautiful white flowing font – placed on the back rear glass of a car for the entire world to see were the following words to my all-time favorite song by Anne Wilson,
“…Who would take my cross to Calvary? Pay the price for all my guilty? Who would care that much about me? Let me tell you ‘bout my Jesus… And the good news is I know that He Can do for you what He’s done for me… Let me tell you ‘bout my Jesus… And let my Jesus change your life.”
A smile broke out across my face as I started singing the words. Then suddenly, my eyes filled up with tears as I could hear God whisper to my heart – “That is what walking ignited is all about – just tell them all about Jesus – tell about what He has done for you and how He has changed your life. Don’t keep Him to yourself – Let Jesus change their life too.”
A humbling moment swept all over me as I realized that the very words that I loved to sing in my favorite song had just challenged and convicted me. Who was willing to take MY place? Who paid the price for all MY guilt and shame? Who cares that much about ME? My Jesus – that’s who! But who was I sharing that good news with?
Sweet friend, the world needs to hear about our Jesus. The prophet Isaiah told about Jesus long before He came to earth as a baby in a manger. He told God’s people that a Messiah was coming to save and redeem them. Our key verse proclaims who Jesus is and foretells what He was coming to do, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” Isaiah 61:1.
Only Jesus can heal the brokenhearted. Only Jesus can set humanity free from the bondage of sin and death. Only Jesus can give hope and peace. It’s all about Jesus – He is the Waymaker and the chain breaker. He is the life-giver and life-sustainer.
Dear friend – let’s tell the world about Jesus – Let’s share the life-changing power of Jesus with a lost and dying world. Jesus is the good news that people need to hear all about – will you help me tell them?
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus – there is something about your name. God, thank you for parking that car where I could see those words that day coming out of the restaurant. Thank you for reminding me that it’s all about Jesus. Give me eyes to see people that need you. Give me boldness to speak the name Jesus to those around me. Keep my eyes on you and your kingdom work. Forgive me for all the times that I didn’t slow down enough to share Jesus with other people. Light a fire within me and never let it go out. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Dig Deeper:
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 CSB
“So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.” John 8:36 CSB
Reflection:
What all has Jesus done for you?
Pray and ask God to send you someone that you can share His good news with – ask Him to give you boldness and trust that He will be faithful