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Who is Jesus?
by Molly Fisher
First place, first born, being first matters. The Olympics just finished a month ago, and we all love (or at least I do) watching to see who comes in first. It’s amazing to watch the best of the best competing to see who is fastest, strongest, and best—first—the gold standard.
The story of Jesus starts before time itself. He was there at the beginning of creation and continues his work on earth and in our lives. Jesus is part of the Trinity and a creator, not created. He became human to be among us and became the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). Jesus is our starting point to knowing God and the Church’s starting point (all God’s people.) As Dan said this morning, Jesus is before all things, above all things, and among all things (including us.) His story is entwined with our story. JESUS IS FIRST – he does not need us to make him so. However, he deserves to be first in our lives as well.
Is there a difference between what you say is most important and what is most important? Do the worries of the day, the tyranny of urgent, dictate how you spend your time and what you do first thing to start the day? Are you drawn to your phone or the Bible in those rare quiet moments? I confess that even though I don’t have any social media apps, I am drawn to my phone – I check email to see what I’m facing that day, and I play silly challenge games for meaningless time and meaningless points (it’s fun and a distraction), I answer texts, etc. I want Jesus to be first in my life. I want Jesus to top my priority list and everything else to fall below him, but that is not how I actually spend my time most days. I know better; I know what’s better, but I gravitate to the path of least resistance, knowing that it almost guarantees that what will rise to the top, what becomes first in my life, is NOT what I want to be first.
Whatever is first in your life will determine the direction and quality of your life. What does putting Jesus first mean to you? In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to “Seek first the kingdom of God…” John the Baptist says in John 3:30, “He must increase, I must decrease.” Tom Brawner, a Heartland pastor, always says, “Start where you are, not where you’re not.” But start somewhere and choose to do one thing that puts Jesus first. The easiest and most challenging for me is to make Jesus first, first thing in the morning – to start my day with Jesus getting the priority of my first focus. Saying that here will make me accountable – yikes!
Name your distraction – what is competing to be first in your life (family, friends, job, social media, news/politics, a team, a sport, a hobby, etc)? The number of things vying for your time and attention are endless and not necessarily bad things, but do you have things out of order? How can you give them the appropriate time, attention, and resources? Consider steps you can take today and tomorrow, and move forward to provide Jesus with top billing in your life.
The Book of Acts Reading Plan:
This Fall-Winter we will be diving into the Book of Acts. For context, check out these brief videos on the major themes in Acts from our friends at The Bible Project.
[Monday, September 9]
Acts 10:1-23
Prayer creates an opportunity to be with God and to hear from God. Some, like Peter and Cornelius, heard actual commands and ideas, and because both were men of prayer, they recognized God talking to them. Sometimes, “hearing” God may be more of a prompting, and sometimes, what we sense we are hearing is unexpected.
Do you have dedicated times of prayer? Have you had promptings from God? Have you acted on them or talked yourself out of obeying them? Find a time daily to pray regularly, and spend part of that just being with God and listening. Try 10 minutes, then 15, first thing in the morning or your car at lunch. Like anything, being still and available takes practice. Don’t get discouraged – this may be just good for your soul!
[Tuesday, September 10]
Acts 10:24-33
In the community, with others who know Jesus, we can put together the pieces of the puzzle of what God has to say and sometimes even why. Peter walked with Jesus in His ministry on earth. Because of all Peter had experienced and learned, he had a lot to teach but also a lot to learn. Who are your people? Is your community one that challenges what you believe and pushes you to grow? Consider joining the men’s or women’s Bible Study starting next week to find a community of folks learning together.
[Wednesday, September 11]
Acts 10:34-48
God does not play favorites – He accepts those from every nation (nothing/no one God made is impure.) When gathered with others who know Jesus, God’s Spirit is present, even/often in unexpected ways and to surprising people. God may not play favorites, but do you? Is everyone welcome into your church or your circles?
If you have not been baptized, consider this —an outward expression of an inward change—available to all who know Jesus as their savior.
[Thursday, September 12]
Acts 11:1-18
God gives gifts, and His gifts are for all. In God’s kingdom, there are not insiders and outsiders; there are those who belong and those who do not. Even Peter says,” Who am I to stand in God’s way.” The church is not a clique or a club; it’s not for members only; it’s for all seeking and those who consider themselves followers. How quick are you to welcome others into your church or community? Must they first be like you or think as you do? How could you take some steps to widen your circle to make room for others? What does loving your neighbor, the least or the outcast, look like in your life?
[Friday, September 13]
Acts 11:19-30
All who came to know and believe in the story of Jesus were called Christians (1st time in history this is used to describe (ALL) those that believe in Jesus.) They are identified not only by what they believe but also by their actions to their beliefs. A prophet predicts famine, and the Christians provide help, giving what they are able.
We’ve been discussing God’s provisions, resources, and finances lately. Do you use your resources to help others? How could you loosen your grip (just a little) on what is ”yours” to help others in need?
{extra journey resources}
CLICK HERE to visit The Bible Project site and explore their super simple, super informative Bible videos (and other resources). You can also download The Bible Project App HERE.
CLICK HERE to get the Read Scripture App, from our friends at The Bible Project.
CLICK HERE for more on how to use the observe-reflect-apply approach to getting the most out of your Bible reading.
The Bible App Get the free YouVersion Bible for your phone, tablet, or computer. Experience the Bible anywhere, with options to highlight, save notes, and share what you are reading with others.
The Bible App For Kids YouVersion partnered with OneHope to develop the Bible App for Kids, designing it specifically to engage children with Bible stories on an age-appropriate level. The Bible App for Kids is a free app for Android, Apple, and Kindle devices, available in over 60 languages.
Bible Gateway Provides advanced Bible searching capabilities, which allow readers to find passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.
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