No overstuffed recliner

Pastor David Scharf

Things happen in every Christian’s life that make us wonder, “Where is Jesus?” A job loss, a spouse loss, a self-confidence loss, a . . . loss. I’m guessing you can relate. Where is Jesus?

When we think of Jesus’ “working years,” we think of the 33 years he walked on this earth, the 40 days after he rose from the dead, and his ascension into heaven. So what’s he doing now? Playing checkers with the Father, biding his time until he returns? Challenging the saints to golf at the Savior’s Tournament on the perfectly manicured fairways of Zion Interstellar Golf Club? Taking a nap on his overstuffed recliner throne?

Hardly! There are so many dangers facing his church! The devil, the world, and our selfish natures are constantly trying to get us to step out of the church and embrace the world. The devil knows the church’s mission: make disciples. The devil knows that if he can get the church to join the world, then there is no need for the world to join the church!

And so Jesus prays for you today and works every loss in your life out so that you might gain heaven. Isn’t that a cool thing to think about? Jesus prays to the Father . . . for you. He constantly rules everything . . . for you. Jesus’ throne is no overstuffed recliner!

“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15).

Devotion used by permission of Time of Grace®. For more information, visit timeofgrace.org