The God Of The Living

This week I asked myself the question, "If I could only preach one more sermon for the rest of my life what would it be?" Today I'll have the privilege of preaching that sermon, but here you go in a nutshell.
"He is not the God of the dead, but of the living." Mark 12:27. Some folks came to Jesus to try to trick him with a question about what happens when we die. Jesus' response was that they were making a terrible mistake. They were implying this whole faith journey is about dying, but in fact Jesus came to bring life in the here and now. David wrote in Psalm 27:13 that he remained confident he would see the goodness of God in the land of the living. You were made for eternity, Jesus has gone to prepare a place for you, but God is involved in your life this week. Don't follow Jesus because you might die today. Follow Jesus because you probably won't. You need a God of the living, and that's exactly who your God is.
There was another time when some other folks seemed to want to trip Jesus up. They asked him, "What's the greatest commandment?" Jesus' answer guides us in how we are to live here on earth. Step one: love God with everything you've got; Step two: Love your neighbor the way you want to be loved. (Matthew 22:36-40) These two are so big Jesus said "all" the law and the prophets hang on these two truths.
While we're living here on earth our God is actively involved in our lives. As we follow Him let's love Him back and love those He loves. Following Jesus isn't always easy, but it's not complicated. Love Him, and love who He loves. As you do, know that He is with you always (Matthew 28:20).

Following the Son,
James A Williams

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