Jesus is Our All!

A friend and I were reflecting on our faith journey a while back while we were enjoying each other’s company on the patio. Our faith stories started very different; mine being part of a church family all my life, hers not till she was much farther along in life. The journey to knowing Christ for my friend has a sharp contrast from her old life. Not as much for me because I do not recall ever not knowing Jesus. I grew up attending church faithfully with my family. My great-grandma, both sets of grandparents, and even aunts and uncles attended church with me each week. After weekly Sunday School and Catechism classes my cousins and I would walk to Grandpa and Grandma’s house for lunch. The Bible was read in our home and we were taught right from wrong according to God’s Word. Even as a little tot I knew Jesus loved me, had paid a price for my life, and if I loved Him I would spend eternity in Heaven with Him one day.

As we continued our chat, I stated in some ways I wish my story was a little more like hers. Had that been the case, maybe I wouldn’t have taken the gift my parents had shared with me for granted for so long. My friend was less than impressed with my statement and told me I was crazy. She was maybe right.

Something happened this week at Pioneer Club that reminded me of this chat we had on the patio some time ago. We have a student who was eager to get their Bible at Awards Night on Wednesday night. The student is very excited to be learning about Jesus and asks lots of questions about what is being taught. Prior to the awards, the child asked if they would be getting a Pioneer Club bag in addition to the Bible. The teacher replied that she wasn’t sure so they would just have to wait and see. When I read the child’s name off, the enthusiasm was apparent as they approached the stage. I saw a face glow with great delight as I handed the new Bible and crisp, black Pioneer Club bag to them. The excitement continued as the club leader presented the badges and applause from the crowd was heard. (You should each be very jealous of my job!)

After all the excitement settled down and the last guests had left, I was chatting with the leader of this student. She is so excited by the eagerness she sees in this child who just wants to drink in the goodness of Christ. In our conversation she shared that when they all returned to their seats, the child came up to her and said, “I got it ALL!” What a profound statement! The child is right, because when you know Christ and He lives and dwells in your heart, you really do have it ALL!

Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. Psalm 96:2-4 (NLT)

Friends, we have the absolute best gift ever given and all we are truly asked to do is share it with others. May it not be so of any of us that we didn’t share the great Gospel story with all we encountered in this life – both young and old. You just never know who hasn’t heard the Good News yet.

What a gift to be able to share the love and joy of Christ with others!

Becky Ossefoort

 

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