Back before the Coronavirus struck we were beginning a New Year with a fresh start. Many of us made resolutions and selected a word or theme for the year. We had no idea what the next few months would bring. But God knew we would have to let go of people, places, and plans during this pandemic. I think that’s why He gave me the theme of Jesus is better.
“You may never know that Jesus is all you need, until Jesus is all you have.” ~ Corrie ten Boom
Jesus is Better than Anyone and Anything
Sometimes we trust in people more than we trust God. We may value the opinion of our parents, spouse, or friends over what the Bible has to say on a subject. Or we look to our spouse to meet the deep needs of our soul. We expect them to pamper us, protect us, provide for us, and love us passionately and perfectly. But that’s a lot of pressure to put on a mere human!
Unrealistic expectations lead to disappointment and division. And that is exactly the devil’s agenda. He wants to destroy any relationship that glorifies God. And he tempts us to look anywhere and everywhere other than Jesus for satisfaction.
Fully Known and Deeply Loved
Jesus knows you better than anyone on the planet. His love is better than anyone else’s because it’s sacrificial, unconditional, and eternal. No one can love you like Jesus can! Fulfillment is found only in Christ.
Jesus can make the impossible happen. He’s a waymaker and a miracle worker. He is perfect and flawless in every way.
But every other person in this world will disappoint you at some point. We are all sinners interacting with sinners. Holy and devout believers still have flesh on. They are human. They make mistakes, forget things, get too busy, and say the wrong thing sometimes. But Jesus, he will never leave you, forsake you, divorce, or dismiss you. Jesus is better!
Hebrews 13:5-6~ Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Abiding in Jesus is Better
John 15:4~ Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Fellowship with Jesus is the best possible use of our time. But we don’t always think so, do we? We get bored with the word of God, or get bummed out when we have unanswered prayers, or we don’t see the immediate benefit of that time with Jesus. So we just stop making abiding in Christ a priority.
The one thing that's needful is the one thing most neglected. Time with Jesus. Click To TweetAbiding in Christ is not just for our benefit. People count on us to be Spirit-filled ministers of reconciliation. We are equipped and energized to serve others when we sit at the feet of Jesus.
So we have to make the decision that Jesus is better than social media, Netflix, and any other time-wasters. And then replace those things with prayer, praise, and reading the Bible.
Hebrews 12:1-2~ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Your worst day with Jesus is still far better than your best day apart from Him. Click To TweetJesus is a Better Refuge
In times of trial, temptation, and testing, your flesh will want to rule you. Regardless of how long you have been saved, you will always be tempted to run to old strongholds for refuge and comfort.
But a few minutes in prayer with your great high priest, Jesus the Son of God, will give you the strength to resist that temptation. Those things you used to place your trust in won’t give you lasting peace or joy. Only Jesus can.
When times are tough and you’re tempted to choose easy, familiar, or safe, run to Jesus for refuge and strength!
Hebrews 4:15-16~ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Live Like Jesus is Better
You won’t know for yourself that Jesus is better if you don’t take a leap of faith and test Him out.
I encourage you to ask God to reveal to you anything or anyone that ranks higher in your life than Jesus. Examine where you spend your time, talent, treasures, and where you place your trust. If Jesus isn’t number one on the list then repent and replace those lesser things with more Jesus.
Studying the book of Hebrews would be a great way to pass the time as you do your part to flatten the curve! It’s beautiful, it’s beneficial, and it’s all about how Jesus is better. Better than the angels, the priests, and Moses. Jesus is a better sacrifice, has a better covenant, and is better than the law. He has a better name and better blood. Jesus is superior in every single way.
Hebrews 8:6~ But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
Jesus is Better Because He is Dependable
With all of the uncertainty and unknowns that mark our ever-changing lives today, we can be sure of one thing- Jesus never changes. He is the one constant in our world of chaos and crisis. We can lean on Him, we can trust Him, and we can look to Him for help in our time of need.
Hebrews 13:8~ Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
“Graves into Gardens” by Elevation Worship, featuring Brandon Lake is my theme song right now and it’s amazing! You should check it out! And I made a video version of this devotion for our church if you would like to watch it. Here is the link: Jesus is Better video It’s not polished or formal, just me at my kitchen table sharing what the Lord has been speaking to my heart.
I’m curious to hear if you have found your New Year resolutions or word of the year to be exactly what you need to endure these stressful times. Let me know in the comments below!
What a beautiful reminder, Annie. There’s no doubt that Jesus is better. We simply(?) have to spend more time alone with Him. Trust Him, share our deepest darkest thoughts with Him (He knows anyway, so we should bring Him into those thoughts with us.) Where we come from we say, “we just have to get our want-to fixed.”
So true Wendy! Thank you for reading.:-)