16

January

Your greatest need = Jesus’ presence

“Pause for a moment and let [Jesus] tell you his name.  Your greatest need is his presence.  Yes, you want this storm to pass.  Yes, you want the winds to be still.  But yes, yes, yes, you want to know, need to know, and must know that the great I AM is near.”- Max Lucado

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior .”- Isaiah 43:1-4 (NIV)

Max Lucado concludes Chapter 6 of Never Alone as he observes that at times the Bible narrative moves too quickly for our tastes.  For example, in John’s account of Jesus calming the storm, we want more -description, depiction, explanation.  However, John economizes his words.  Thus, John simply tells us that the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water.

And that’s good enough, as Max explains:

“That is all we need to know.  Before Jesus stills the storms, he comes to us in the midst of our storms.  He says to us what he said to the disciples: ‘It is I, don’t be afraid’ (v.20 NIV). The literal translation of what Jesus said is ‘I AM, don’t be afraid.’ . . .  If God had a calling card, it would contain this imprint: I AM. . . . When we see nothing but darkness, feel nothing but doubt, and wonder if God is near or aware, the welcome answer from Jesus is this: ‘I AM.’ ”

Certainly, Pastor Lucado notes, we prefer being spared from the storm.  Or if a storm must come, we hope it’s mild and that God delivers us quickly.  Sometimes that happens.  However, when we’re up to our thorax in turbulence, Jesus wants us to know  His name.  I AM coming!

Today’s question: What Bible verses proclaim that your greatest need = Jesus’ presence?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “A spiritual ophthalmologist for sightless people”

About the author 

Dave Henning

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