He is an embrace

I've heard about the mentality that "weak" individuals are more likely to pursue a relationship with Jesus than strong, independent people.  That mindset is probably encouraged by the response so many Christians have to difficulties.  For example, "Times were so tough, if I didn't have Jesus I don't know how I would have survived."  So this idea that you need Jesus when you are weak and hurting is being perpetuated by testimonies of praise.  And that's all good and well because Jesus truly is a Rock but there's more.

Yes, having a loving Savior by your side when you're enduring life's trials is a blessing, indeed.  His strength is our strength and we do praise Him for that.

But what many people don't realize is that it's not us that is pursuing Jesus.  It's Him that chases after us.  He's the one desiring the love affair with His children.  We accept His invitation and then it becomes whatever we need.

But He is not just strength for the afflicted and rest for the weary.  And I just don't think the rest of the non-Jesus world gets that.

I think that even Christians miss the point sometimes.  Jesus seeks us out and knocks on our door, not just to help us in times of trouble; He does it because He's in love with us.

Imagine a woman who keeps a journal of all her deepest, most intimate thoughts, who she is, what she feels, what she loves, etc.  (This scenario can be reversed, of course, because men keep journals too, but I'm just gonna fly with this one for now).  And now imagine that a man comes across this journal and reads it regularly, learning more and more about the heart of this woman.  If the woman's heart is good and pure he may find himself desiring to know her more.  Even when she fails and messes up badly, if he reads her sorrow and her desire to be more in tune with Christ, He can forgive her shortcomings and see the person she is longing to be, and the person she was created to be.  Imagine that this man reads this journal for 20 years and he knows her, inside and out, and he has fallen madly in love with her.  Would he really stand at a distance and just read the journal and be satisfied?  I doubt it.  He would want to know her, to befriend her, to talk to her about her, be a personal friend, experience reciprocal love with her.

I guess that's how I see Jesus.  He knows our innermost thoughts and struggles. He is not turned off by our failures because He was there when we were created and He knows how we're really wired. And He understands that our failures are often a result of living in this sin-sick world and falling prey to the temptations with which we are bombarded.  And when that happens, His anger is directed towards the enemy of lies and not towards His precious loved ones and His heart aches with ours when we suffer, when we fail, when we choose the lies.  But He also rejoices with us when we stand in Truth, when we utilize the gifts He's given us, when we exhibit compassion towards His other children.

But it's painfully difficult to stand on the sidelines and watch from a distance.  That's about as unnatural as a proud parent not attending a ceremony honoring their child or a wedding or a graduation.  A parent who is involved in their children's lives wants to be there every step of the way because they are in love with their children.  They adore them and want to share in all their successes.  They also want to share in their pain.  If a child is suffering with the loss of a friend or a shattered dream or a debilitating accident...for a parent to wait outside and not long to comfort their child, it would be - like I said - unnatural.

Jesus loves us.

That's not just a simple bumper sticker we see on the cars of those "Jesus-y" people.  He truly, madly deeply loves you (yes, I just quoted Savage Garden; so what.)  He is in love with you. He adores you. He misses you when He doesn't get to be with you. His heart breaks as a result of the distance He must maintain and I think it even drives Him a little crazy sometimes.  He might turn to His Father and ask, "Is it time yet?  Can I go get them, please?"  But His Father shakes His head and says, "Not yet."  And His heart cries out in loneliness and His arms burn to hold you.

Jesus is desperately in love with you and me and everyone who has a breath on the face of the earth because He knows us.  If we really knew people -- I mean really knew them -- we would love them too.

So no, Jesus is not just an anchor for those tossed by the storms at sea.  He is an embrace.  He is a smile.  His expression lights up at the mention of your name and His heart aches to hold you.

I can't fathom a world where I wouldn't be able to hold my children and love them on an everyday basis.  To watch them grow up from a distance would result in unspeakable pain.

Jesus longs to be in our lives.  He longs for it with every breath He takes.  How can someone who understands this, possibly neglect to acknowledge His presence and love?  How can someone who understands this, possibly turn away in boredom and disinterest?  How can someone who understands this, possibly reject His invitation?  How could you possibly NOT want this level of love and adoration in your life?

It's not possible.  So if there is neglect, boredom, rejection...then the world obviously doesn't understand this.  And for those who do get it?  Don't remain silent.