"This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe." -1st Timothy 4: 9-10

Bigger Than Jesus?

Last night millions of people around the world watched the Super Bowl. What a tremendous amount of money, energy, talent, and passion goes into something as BIG as the Super Bowl. How about the athletes that play in the game? They are heroes and super stars for millions. Think about how our world puts on a pedestal our 'super stars' whether they are a sports star, rock star, or movie star. Think of the power of high ranking government officials from presidents and dictators to kings and queens. Or how about top level corporate executives, the most powerful and wealthy of CEO's? It is amazing how BIG some people become, or think they have become. The truth of the matter is that none of the examples given here will ever come close to what has been accomplished by a Jewish carpenter from Nazareth, Jesus, the Son of God. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." (John 1: 1-5)

A group that I enjoy listening to, Audio Adrenaline, has a song titled 'Never Gonna Be As Big As Jesus.' Some of the lyrics go like this, 'I could be anything I wanted to, I wanted to, I could be anything but one thing's true...Never gonna be as big as Jesus, never gonna hold the world in my hand, never gonna be as big as Jesus, never gonna build a promised land, but that's alright with me.' I wonder if that is ok with all the BIG people in this world? Is it ok with you? No matter what you accomplish in this life it will never come close to Jesus. Can you heal the sick, raise the dead, make a promised land, grant the gift of eternal life and salvation? Are you willing to live as a servant, give to those in need, make the ultimate sacrifice as Jesus did on the cross? Jesus sets the standard for BIG and it is not the same standard that our world has.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13: 12-17) None of us can ever be bigger than Jesus but we can follow His example. You will never be bigger than Jesus but you can be something for Jesus. You may never be seen as 'BIG' in this world but there is a salvation to be gained! Thank you, Jesus!

Take a moment and encourage someone this week.

I pray that all is well with you. Please let me know if you have any prayer concerns or praises. Have a great week and remember to smile :), the Lord loves you!

In Christ,

Shan D. Hartsough

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." - Acts 4: 12