Thursday, 3/28/19 – Discipleship: Assurance

I sat in the surgeon’s examination room waiting for him to come in to discuss operating on my rotator cuff. My family doctor had referred me to this man. He had already viewed the x-rays. He could see what the problem was inside me, beneath my pain and limitations. Today he would offer what he could do about it.

I glanced around the little room as I shivered a bit, shirtless. On the walls, in stark, black frames, hung numerous certificates and recognitions assuring me of this man’s competence to correct what was wrong within me. I had spoken with others too, folk who had experienced his surgery. Not one regretted the touch of his hands… the incisions of his blade. All had been remarkably improved by surrendering their futures to him. These testimonies also bolstered my confidence that what he’d done for others he could also do for me.

But I wanted to hear it from his own lips. I wanted to —

Just then the doctor entered…

“Yes,” he smiled. “I can help you.”

A few moments later as I reached for my jacket hanging on the waiting room coat rack the receptionist called to me. My signature was required on a ‘consent for surgery’ form. I signed it gladly. There was nothing I could do to fix myself, and it was clear from testimonies and documentation that this man could help me. But also, today I had looked him in the eyes. I had heard the words of assurance directly from his mouth, directed specifically to me. I trusted he was what was claimed, and I entrusted myself to his power.

Jesus is often referred to as ‘The Great Physician.’ In fact, He is very God… our Creator (John 1:3; Col. 1:16). He can see what the problem is deep inside you, beneath your pain and limitations. Millions testify to what He has done in them, and can do in you. Not one has regretted the touch of His Hands… the incisions of his blade. He has told you what He can do. He invites you with His own lips… He says,

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).

Several months rest and rehabilitation were required following my surgery. There was some pain, some stiffness, and a good bit of relearning how to do things… how to live. But none of these facts shook my assurance in this physician. He had helped me like none other could.

In this world the Christian will continue to suffer, to experience discomforts, to battle inner and outer sins and evils. But none of these should shake our assurances. Christ is on His Throne. He has made and is making us — and all things — new… for eternity.

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. / I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:11-13).

“…let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings… Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Heb. 10:22, 23).

Press on…

Are you interested in being discipled one-on-one in the fundamentals of new life in Christ? Or, perhaps you would you like to know how to begin this journey and take the very first of the First Steps by turning from your current path and committing your path to Christ? — Use the Contact page and we’ll get you started.