hopefully at sunset

I Need You

Part of what I preached last week at SDCC. This was the wrap-up of my message on Isaiah 6 & Hebrews 10.

Donald Miller wrote, “I am a tree in the midst of a forest and it is arrogant of me to think differently. The story of the forest is a much better than the story of the tree.”

You are a part of a movement that began before time – a movement of a people redeemed by a God who chose His people at an unthinkable price – this God was a most magnificent God – a HUGE, beautiful, glorious, wonderful God – a God who better than all the best things we can imagine.

This God, whose story fills the pages of this book and every ounce of wonder and love human heart has ever felt – this God has chosen the foolish things of this world – you and me – to lead the wise things of this world – everyone who thinks they’ve got it figured out.

For every time that any man, woman or child has taken a breath and attempted to self-medicate and escape the loss and loneliness of this world – that moment was an opportunity for a beggar like you to listen and to love them – to model brokenness and dependence upon God (which is demonstrated through interdependence upon each other).

When you first saw God in His throne room – whether or not you saw the angels – you then looked at yourself and cried “help me!” – and God sent His Son with the burning coal of the empty tomb – and he touched His perfect life to yours, took your sin and filth and stench, and replaced it with His own perfect righteousness – you can never do anything to pay Him back You cannot earn or lose His love. For God’s opinion of you is based solely upon the finished work of Christ on the cross.

Now with this stature that you have attained through simply responding to the offer of redemption with an inaudible – faintly whispered, awestruck “yes please” - now you are in the throne room…

Hebrews 4:15-16 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

You are in the throne room right now, listening to a conversation of the trinity discussing their forest – their movement that Jesus began with 12 ugly, awful men. Hey you wanna jump in?

You are a tree in the midst of a forest and it is arrogant of you to think differently. The story of the forest is a much better than the story of the tree.

Join the forest. Get in the midst of the movement.

There are millions of Americans who sit in church for hours every week who are dying and going to hell. And you have everything you need to change them inside of you – namely Jesus, and a willingness to share life – your imperfect life – with them.

I need you.
We need you.
Kids need you.
Families need you.

You are significant because Christ has made you significant.