Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Why did Jesus die?

Did you know Jesus was not sent and died on the cross so that your sins would be forgiven?

Jesus died on the cross so that you might gain fellowship with God and Himself. An ancillary benefit is that our sins were forgiven. Jesus said that he came to give eternal life, and defined eternal life as "... that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent". John 17:2-3 If you were only saved to miss hell, you are missing the big picture, God wants to have a relationship with you now.

Sometimes I get so busy with work and church that I neglect intimacy with God. That hit me hard last night as I was thinking about my recent level of intimacy with my son. He has his own life now and doesn't desire to share much of it with me. It occurred to me that I have the same relationship with God. I have been going to God in prayer with the same things, almost mechanically, time and time again and realized, he wants to share my heart, bounce ideas off him, talk about what's been on my mind.

I have had shameful intimacy with God lately. If my son treated me the same, it would break my heart. Spend some time today with the Father and just talk to him, don't intercede for anyone, ask for blessings on your endeavors, just talk to him, like a friend, about the weather or brainstorm a decision you are trying to make with him. He will be blessed by your friendship.