Jesus: the One we need, the One our world needs now, as much as ever

I hope you're having a good week friends. I'll admit it's been a heavy one for me. I've been around a lot of hurting people and a lot of difficult pastoral care environments, and I've probably watched too much news....and I regret subjecting myself to the entire US presidential debate. It's been a dark, heavy week.

Yesterday I had an appointment with my Spiritual Director - if that's a new term for you, a Spiritual Director is a spiritual mentor, a friend. My guy Morris is key component of my personal discipleship plan, and in seasons, an invaluable part of my pursuit of Christ. Our first meeting in September is when I 're-up' for another season. We talk about expectations, he asks what I'd like to get out of our sessions together. and one more time, yesterday he asked me what I desire. I won't tell you everything we talked about, but what emerged out of our conversation is another resolute declaration from both of us that what the world needs most isn't a vaccine, it's Jesus. What some of my hurting friends need most is Jesus. What I need most is Jesus. All of Him.

John the Apostle, in describing the events taking place in Jerusalem after Jesus' arrival in town just days before His death, says: "...there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." (John 12:20-21 NIV)

I understand their desire. The Jesus they'd heard about is the One we need, the One our world needs now, as much as ever. On this Friday in October 2020, consider what you desire. If it represents your heart, consider praying that last line yourself.

Greg