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Sometimes life is a beast.

12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

Mark 1:12-13

Jesus had to face temptation, he wanted to understand what we go through. He went into the desert and was tempted and had to deal with wild animals, but he had help. So too with us, maybe our “wild animals” are not actual wild animals, but it could be stress, frustration, the feeling of being behind, the way people treat you… we’ve all been there. When the beasts of life attack, just breathe. Know that Jesus knows frustration too. He will be there for you. Just hang in there, hang on, you can do it. You never know what amazing plans God has for you after you get back from the desert, you can do it, He can help!

What should we be doing?

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matt 28:16-20

Our lives are meant for purpose, we have a job to do. So why don’t we do it? In the great commission, we are told what to do. So we need to get out there, every one of us, every day, and get busy doing it!

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There are events in our lives that change everything, do you remember where you were on 9/11/2001?

51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

Matthew 27:51-54

Jesus’ death changed everything, for everyone, for all time. 

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Do you consume Jesus?

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 

Matt 26:26-27

If we are going to be a part of Jesus, we must consume Him. We must look at Him as life. Spend time in His word, with His people, in prayer talking to Him… do you ever get “enough” of Him? Don’t, hunger and thirst for Jesus, you need Him! The New Covenant is Jesus, drink Him in, feast on His blessings, and share it at the table!

Do you remember what Jesus said to Paul? He asked why he was persecuting “ME”

This was a shock to Paul because he didn’t understand… whatever you do to the church, you are doing to Jesus.

And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Matt 25:39-40

So what are you doing to Jesus? Do you keep in touch? Do you check in every few weeks? How is your financial support? Are you really engaged and a part of Him, or is it just some box you check on the census card?

It is easy to slip into the attitude that the church is there for “me” or that it’s there if we “need” it… No no no.

We should be serving the church, caring for the church, visiting the members of the church… whatever you do to the “least” in your church… you have done it unto Christ.

Maybe the next time your preschool director says she needs teachers, we will remember this…