“You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Corinthians 3:2-3)
A foundational idea of Christianity: It must be shown.
Christianity is not merely some facts to believe (though there are some facts that absolutely must be believed—ex. the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus).
Christianity is not merely some ideas to understand (though there are some ideas that must be understood—ex. all have sinned and stand in need of a Savior).
Christianity is a lifestyle—it is a life—that must be clearly demonstrated. The facts that are believed and the ideas that are understood must lead to transformation. Our lives must be lived in such a way that we make it clear that we know Jesus.
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)
“For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.” (Heb. 11:14)
Christianity must be shown.
Let us live in such a way that we make it clear to whom we belong!
In Luke 4 there is a major focus on who Jesus is and the way people respond to Him. Obviously, there are both appropriate as well as inappropriate ways to respond to His presence and call.
It is not only that we must show others we belong to the Lord, it is also the case that we must show the Lord Himself that we love Him and long to be identified with Him!
Therefore, when we come to know the risen Lord, some appropriate responses to Jesus would be:
(1) Praise Him for His powerful message (Luke 4:15).
· Jesus reveals insight into ancient prophecies, the keys to heaven and salvation, how to live well, how to properly view life, how to deal with pain, suffering and anxiety, etc.
· This is a message worthy of praise!
(2) Become a servant with a grateful heart (Luke 4:39).
· The proper response to being healed is gratitude and action.
· To fail or refuse to praise God and give thanks for our blessings is unacceptable (cf. Luke 17:17).
(3) Take as many others to Him as possible (Luke 4:40).
· When there is a problem (your own or that of others), go to Jesus!
(4) Beg Him to stay (Luke 4:42).
· Once you have the One with the words of eternal life, don’t let Him go!
· Show Him that you know He is the One! (cf. John 6:68)
