I Am: Jesus Series

In the city of Flagstaff, Arizona an announcement was on social media today that stirred up some public excitement. It said that a popular chain store called “Trader Joe’s” was planning on opening a local store on the west side of town. Thus the picture above. That’s just too good to be true. Then slowly it dawns on you that it’s April 1st - April Fools Day. A prank, a hoax, an attempt at a humorous trick. For me on this April Fools Day a more steady, true and trustworthy statement comes to mind:

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” ― Jim Elliot

Those who place their life, trust and faith in the person of Jesus Christ will not be disappointed. They will gain abundant life now and life forevermore. It’s never foolish to exchange your finite existence for his glorious infinite future and presence. 

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” John 11: 25-26

Jesus, by using the “I am” declaration with its Old Testament understanding, is clearly stating to the hearer that he is the one who has been, is now and will ever be the source of resurrection power and life. If you believe and live in Jesus, you will have true life and never ever know death because you are connected to the one who was at the beginning, who started life, maintains it and is the source for all time. Life and resurrection is not an event; it’s a person, Jesus Christ. Get close to him and he’ll bring you with him.

Don’t be fooled by counterfeit temporary fads, ideas or people. Trust in the one who paid for your sins, conquered death and the grave and lives. You can’t lose. 

Q: What April Fool’s joke or story comes to your mind?

Q: How can you get closer to Jesus, and what would that look like or require?