You are Not Holding on to Jesus

"I can't live by what I feel -- But by the truth your word reveals -- And I'm not holding onto you -- But you're holding onto me -- You're holding onto me."

- Casting Crowns

Woah, that title, I know. Let me explain before everyone gets personally offended. I was listening to the song East to West by Casting Crowns in my car today. Those worship lyrics are probably some of the most powerful song lyrics I have ever heard. The chorus goes like this, "Jesus, you know just how far the East is from the West, from one scarred hand to the other." This song is a man crying out to Jesus with all that he has got. He begs Jesus to show him just how far the East is from the West. Translation: show me how big you are God! Show me what you can do. Your power knows no bounds. Your love knows no bounds. The worst thing that I have done could never compare with everything that you are. The worst thing I have ever done could never compare to the power of the gospel (see gospel tab).

He goes on to say, " In the arms of your mercy I find rest." He doesn't find rest in knowing that he is holding on to Jesus by his own strength. He doesn't find rest in knowing that he had some great Bible time that week. He doesn't find rest in being a professional Christian musician. He doesn't find rest in himself or the assurance of others. "In the arms of your mercy..", but what does that mean? According to Biblestudytools.com the word mercy is translated to the Hebrew word checed which means God's faithfulness, kindness, and steadfastness unto us. The word checed is used 239 times in the old testament and 127 times in Psalms. If we look back at the old testament we can see that one of the major themes was sin. The Israelite people, God's chosen people, ran away from God. They were sinful (2 Kings 17:7-41). But, if you look at Isaiah 43 you can see another major theme in the old testament: mercy.

"I alone am the one who is going to wipe away your rebellious actions for my own sake. I will not remember your sins [anymore]."

Isaiah 43:25

These Israelite people were not deserving of mercy. But, they could not save themselves. They could not follow their own rules enough to earn the mercy of God. They fell every single time. So, He saved them. He not only saved them but He loved them. He got the glory for their shortcomings. The song East to West is such a beautiful reflection of the checed character of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Lord is so powerful that He even knows how far the east is from the west. Rest in that mercy and grace. He did it for the Israelites, so how much more will He do it for us? This gift should not drive us to continue in sin (or slack in spiritual disciplines) but to want to be closer to Jesus and His perfection. It should drive you towards repentance and dedication to serve the King of Kings. To know that you are not enough is to see that He is.

It doesn't matter who you are, how hard you are trying, or what your status is: you are not holding on to Jesus because He is holding on to you.

Pray: The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13),

"Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done;

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation;

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

the power and the glory,

for ever and ever.

Amen."

Then, ask Him to have mercy upon you. Thank Him for even letting you wake up in the morning to bring Him glory. When He brings you to your knees: repent.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnkkZLdjf9Y