Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. —Helen Lemmel, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”
One of the hard things that adoptive families experience is the time spent staring at photographs while trying to guess the child’s personality. Does that smile mean she’s sweet or mischievous? Is that frown evidence that he’s longing for home, or did someone take away his toy before the photo was taken? That scar—it’s new—how did that happen?
For a year or two years or more, parents who hope to adopt will fight for paperwork, advocate for care, push for travel—all while not really knowing this child they hope to parent.
In John 4, Jesus was talking with a Samaritan woman, and they started arguing over worship. In the midst of that conversation, He said, “You Samaritans worship what you do not know …” (John 4:22).
Yes, it’s possible to worship Him yet not know Him.
Church, we must know Him. When we say Jesus is infinitely better than anything we left behind, we must be able to do more than nod our heads in agreement. We must be able to communicate why Jesus is better.
One of my favorite ways that Jesus is better comes from Hebrews 1:3, [Jesus sustains] all things by his powerful word.
Jesus isn’t like Atlas, holding the world upon his shoulders. Rather, to sustain means to bring everything forward to its appointed course. Jesus brings everything to completion.
Some of you are trying to hold something together that is falling apart. You’re desperate and anxious and struggling to make it work. But Hebrews offers you a different way: Know Jesus. Entrust your life to Him. He is faithful and sees all things through to completion.
The world offers many ways of managing life, but the author of Hebrews tells us Jesus is superior (Hebrews 1:4). Translated literally, “Jesus is much more better” than anything you’ve left behind.
Would you consider spending your life getting to know Him?
Jesus, I want to know You in such a way that my worship is increased. Empower me to trust You. Replace my anxiety with peace as I focus on You—the “much more better” way. Amen.