Welcome to the blog of Pastor Alton Stone, from Simpsonville, SC. Pastor Stone is a retired Ordained Bishop of The Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee with over 45 years of pastoral ministry.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Jesus Cares-Let Him

Early one morning fire broke out in a house on a narrow street. The alarm was sounded by a policeman on duty. Before the fire engines could get to the scene, however, flames were leaping high into the air. Suddenly a young man appeared at an upper window in his pajamas. Firemen quickly placed a ladder against the burning building. But to the consternation of all, he refused to come down, shouting back that he had to get dressed first. The firemen pleaded, "Come as you are! Come as you are!" but to no avail. From below they tried to ascend the stairs, but were turned back as the wind fanned the flames into fury. When a rescuer tried to enter through a window, the heat and smoke forced him away. Suddenly the stairs gave way and the roof fell in. The man had waited too long and was buried beneath the ruins. How much greater tragedy awaits all who refuse to "flee from the wrath to come." Many reject God's provision of salvation and safety in Christ because they want to get dressed up in the clothes of self-righteousness or religion. Their delay could cost them their souls.

One of the most obvious things about Jesus' ministry is His constant care for those that found themselves in need. Rather than resent these people for coming to Him because they were in need, Jesus reaches out to them to help them. Often these are people for whom the world could not or would not help.

Jesus could help them because they came to Him. He did not reject anyone because they were broken or weak. He only asks that they come as they are and if so, He will minister to them!

This is still true today . So many people won't become Christians until they think they have their life all put together right, then they will get religion. But Jesus wants us to come as we are. If we wait until we think we are good enough we many never come to a knowledge of His saving grace.

Those who found Christ's love and help were those who were not ashamed to say "I need you Lord"! This is still true today, we must realize our need and acknowledge it to find Jesus. Jesus always moved through crowds of people who had come to hear Him because He knew they were in need and Jesus didn't want to disappoint anyone of them. Only the self-righteous can't find God, but those who know their own need are the ones who can find God.

I wonder how many people missed out on a real blessing from God because they were too proud to come and admit their need? How many are like this today, too proud to say they have a need for God in their lives because they think they have life all figured out and everything is fine. What a tragedy to go through this life without ever experiencing God's love and presence in your life.

Don't become a victim to your own unconcern. Jesus cares about you so please let Him!

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