The Worst-Case Scenario
Our Men’s Group Life has been reading a book called Jesus Outside the Lines by Scott Saul. He is also the author of the book, A Gentle Answer, that we used for our sermon series back in November. I have come to appreciate Scott’s perspective of really looking closely at Jesus rather than be consumed by an “us” vs. “them” mentality.
Bob Swoboda prayed this passage from Jesus Outside the Lines to close out our group last Wednesday. (By the way, if you are interested in our Men’s Life Group, we meet on Wednesdays at NOON in Asbury Room 12). I thought Bob’s prayer was great so I borrowed it last Sunday. Here is the full passage from page 216 of Jesus Outside the Lines.
“If I end up alone, the worst case-scenario is that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and those who believe in him, though they die, yet shall they live. God has set a place for me at the wedding feast of Jesus, and I will be part of the church, his bride, forever. He puts the lonely into an eternal family. He will never leave or forsake me. The long-term, worst-case scenario is that I will never be alone, that I always be known, loved, and received.
If I get a disease, the worst-case scenario is that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and those who believe in him, though they die, yet shall they live. Just as Jesus’ body has been raised incorruptible and will no longer be subject to decay, so will mine be. He forgives all my sins and will heal all my diseases and crown me with love and compassion and redeem my life from every pit. The long-term, worst-case scenario is that I will be happy, healthy, strong, and whole forevermore.
If I cannot provide, the worst-case scenario is that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and those who believe in him, though they die, yet shall they live. Jesus is rich. Everything in heaven and earth is his, and every square inch and every penny, nickel, dime, and dollar belong to him. But Jesus is more than rich: he is the true riches. Whether I live in poverty or wealth, I will always be able to say with the Puritan who was stripped to nothing but a piece of bread and a glass of water, “What? All of this and Jesus Christ, too?” The long-term, worst-case scenario is that I will inherit a wealth that will never spoil, perish, or fade - the wealth being Jesus himself. This inheritance will be not only for me but also for those depending on me who have anchored their own future in his provision, not mine.”
Perhaps, we need to give up on thinking about the worst-case scenario. Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Time to trust that God has the whole world in his hand.
In His Grip,
Mike Toluba
Bob Swoboda prayed this passage from Jesus Outside the Lines to close out our group last Wednesday. (By the way, if you are interested in our Men’s Life Group, we meet on Wednesdays at NOON in Asbury Room 12). I thought Bob’s prayer was great so I borrowed it last Sunday. Here is the full passage from page 216 of Jesus Outside the Lines.
“If I end up alone, the worst case-scenario is that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and those who believe in him, though they die, yet shall they live. God has set a place for me at the wedding feast of Jesus, and I will be part of the church, his bride, forever. He puts the lonely into an eternal family. He will never leave or forsake me. The long-term, worst-case scenario is that I will never be alone, that I always be known, loved, and received.
If I get a disease, the worst-case scenario is that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and those who believe in him, though they die, yet shall they live. Just as Jesus’ body has been raised incorruptible and will no longer be subject to decay, so will mine be. He forgives all my sins and will heal all my diseases and crown me with love and compassion and redeem my life from every pit. The long-term, worst-case scenario is that I will be happy, healthy, strong, and whole forevermore.
If I cannot provide, the worst-case scenario is that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and those who believe in him, though they die, yet shall they live. Jesus is rich. Everything in heaven and earth is his, and every square inch and every penny, nickel, dime, and dollar belong to him. But Jesus is more than rich: he is the true riches. Whether I live in poverty or wealth, I will always be able to say with the Puritan who was stripped to nothing but a piece of bread and a glass of water, “What? All of this and Jesus Christ, too?” The long-term, worst-case scenario is that I will inherit a wealth that will never spoil, perish, or fade - the wealth being Jesus himself. This inheritance will be not only for me but also for those depending on me who have anchored their own future in his provision, not mine.”
Perhaps, we need to give up on thinking about the worst-case scenario. Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Time to trust that God has the whole world in his hand.
In His Grip,
Mike Toluba
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