As I think about the question of why I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, the answer that reverberates through my mind is the simple retort, why not. That's not a good answer, though, so I tried to go a bit deeper. The starting point for why I choose Jesus is that he first chose me. "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Paul writes, "Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes"(Ephesians 1:4). I understand that God chose me. I was not worthy of being chosen. I had nothing to offer, but he chose me. He chose to love me and to send his Son to die for me. Do you remember what it's like to be chosen? I do. Have you ever tried out for a team in middle or high school and then hoped that your name was on the list of kids who made it? I've been on both sides of that. When your name is there and you've been chosen, there's nothing more exciting. When your name isn't there (after you've scanned the list three or four times), not much feels worse. It thrills me to know that in spite of all of my shortcomings, God, through Jesus, chose me.
A second reason also comes to mind pretty quickly. It is through Jesus Christ that I find purpose and meaning. Paul writes in Ephesians 2 after noting we are saved by grace through faith that "we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago" (Ephesians 2:10). Jesus Christ intends for us to use our lives for his purpose and kingdom's sake. That inspires and challenges me. I know that I may not always succeed, but all that I do, whether in "paid" ministry or in a "secular" job, can be for his glory and praise. How I teach; what I write; how I interact with people; all of these things, and hundreds more, can be ways in which I promote Jesus. I don't have to wonder why I'm here or wish I was someplace else. Wherever I am and whatever I'm doing, I still have purpose. I am to bring him glory.
Another reason for why Jesus is that in him I find forgiveness, compassion and acceptance that is unequaled in any other relationship. 1 John 1:9 says, "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." I can be forgiven. As the old hymn says, "Though my sins be as scarlet, they can be as white as snow." I also know that Jesus understands where I'm at. He knows how things are. "This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin" (Hebrews 4:15). When I'm facing a tough time, a hard decision, temptation, betrayal, or just the "junk" that this life throws at people, I know Jesus understands. He's faced it, too. I also know that Jesus accepts me. He invites me to come to him. He said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). When others reject or when I feel alone, I know that I'm not. I can always go to him.
I could go on and on about Why Jesus. When I begin to really think about what Jesus means to me, there are more words and ideas than are appropriate for a blog post. I hope, in this small way, you've been able to see Why Jesus for me. I want to end this with a challenge. I'd ask all of you who've read this far to ask yourself the same question. You might not need to write a post or an essay, but as this new year begins, Why Jesus. How do you answer that question?
Thanks for reading. Have a blessed day. Next post: Why the Bible.
