Your Open Word e-Devotional for May 15th,

Published: Sat, 05/15/21

Hello ,

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." John 12:32

I once read a number of lines from author/pastor John Piper's son Abraham, who wrote an amazing list of "12 Ways to Love Your Wayward Child." Since he was a wayward child himself, it is clear after reading the list of 12, that Abraham knows what he is talking about. This is also applicable to a wayward grandchild as well.

#12 caught my attention, and I wanted to share it with you today:

"Point them to Christ.

This can't be over-stressed. It is the whole point. No strategy for reaching your son or daughter will have any lasting effect if the underlying goal isn't to help them know Jesus.

Jesus.

It's not so that they will be good kids again; it's not so that they'll get their hair cut and start taking showers; it's not so that they'll like classical music instead of deathcore; it's not so that you can stop being embarrassed at your weekly Bible study; it's not so that they'll vote conservative again by the next election; it's not even so that you can sleep at night, knowing they're not going to hell.

The only ultimate reason to pray for them, welcome them, plead with them, email them, eat with them, or take an interest in their interests is so that their eyes will be opened to Christ.

And not only is he the only point--he's the only hope. When they see the wonder of Jesus, satisfaction will be redefined. He will replace the pathetic vanity of the money, or the praise of man, or the high, or the orgasm that they are staking their eternities on right now. Only his grace can draw them from their perilous pursuits and bind them safely to himself--captive, but satisfied.

He will do this for many. Be faithful and don't give up."

Sometimes we try to point those that we love to a more spiritual way of life because of reasons other than Jesus. There IS no other reason that trumps your loved one getting to know Jesus for Who He is. When His love and the attractiveness of His character are lifted up before those that you care about, amazing things can happen.

His love will be attractive.

His love will draw them.

His love will impress them to ask serious questions about who they are, and what they are doing with their lives.

If His love is accepted, it will change the person receiving it into to someone that you could only dream of watching them become, by doing it yourself.

Today, let me challenge you to lift up Jesus with your life. Commit your time and energy to opening doors of opportunity for others to see Him in all of His breath-taking, life-giving beauty. He truly IS the only answer.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word