Do You Know Jesus?

As I’ve been working through all the medical hoops to prepare for my upcoming cancer surgery I’ve had a lot of time to think about things. My life, my past mistakes, my family, my friends, the continuing care my hubby needs, my hopes and dreams, financial planning – all those normal human responses to a cancer diagnosis. My situation is different than what many face in that mine has been caught early and a full recovery is expected, so I was a little surprised at all these thoughts that began flowing into my head.

Cancer – the “C Word.” It’s an eye-opening experience to be sure. I’ve realized that my reaction to the diagnosis fits my age. I realized my mortality, I’m not young anymore, and while, Lord willing, I probably have many years left, I realized that I’ve got a few things left unfinished that I need to move to the top of my list.

This past Sunday as we were singing at church, I was overwhelmed with the joy I felt in knowing Jesus and being sure of my salvation. That joy continued as I listened to the message in Hebrews 9 that our ability to worship and know God is unlimited in the new covenant, made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice for us. The veil was torn, top to bottom and we are no longer separated from God. Oh, that knowledge brings such peace to my soul!!

It dawned on me that I don’t have a fear of dying. I actually have a peace I cannot fully describe when I think about leaving this earth. I will be with Jesus, I will be worshipping Him with the angels and saints who have gone before me. It is that peace, that joy, that has filled my heart and made all of these earthly things so easy to handle.

Do you know Jesus? Do you know His amazing love? Jesus, the Son of God, descended to earth and lived among us in the flesh for a time, He gave His life as the better and ultimate sacrifice for our sins, He was buried and rose again, defeating death. Now He sits at the right hand of God and will come again to bring those who have believed in Him and kept His commandments home to heaven.

My life has not been the same since I answered Jesus’ call, since I sought forgiveness for my sins. The Holy Spirit lives in my heart, and I try daily to live as God would have me live my life. Honoring Him, worshipping Him, loving Him, and because of His saving Grace, I have no desire to be what I was before. The selfishness, the bitterness, the overwhelming sense of loneliness – those things are gone! Oh the joy, the peace, of knowing Jesus!

A favorite song, one we sang at church last week, has been playing in my mind for several days –

I’m forgiven because
You were forsaken
I’m accepted,
You were condemned
I’m alive and well,
Your Spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again

Amazing love, how can it be
That You, my King
Would die for me? Yeah
Amazing love, I know it’s true
And it’s my joy to honor You
In all I do I honor You

You Are My King – Amazing Love!

Heavenly Father, you are my King! I live to serve You! Lord, please help those who do not know You. Seek them, bring them home, show them Your amazing love. There are so many in our world who are lost, alone, afraid, and don’t know where to turn. Go to them, Lord. Fill them with an unquenchable desire to know You! Thank you, Jesus, for the sacrifice You made, for the gift You gave us. Thank you, God, for tearing that veil. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who will live in us if we repent of our sins and follow your commandments. Your yolk is easy, Lord – the weight of the world lifted away through Your love. Oh Lord, I want others to know this joy! In Jesus’ Name, Amen