I preached a sermon on miracles this past Friday night at CityReach Pittsburgh. Don’t seek miracles, seek Jesus; if you chase after Jesus, you will eventually experience miracles through Him. That’s my entire message summed up in one sentence. As I was writing my sermon, I started to recognize areas of my life where I have been seeking (even in the Name of Jesus) something other than Jesus. I realized that all of this chasing has brought me to a lack of clarity. So of course, I began chasing clarity.
My priorities have been skewed. I have been putting Sabbath rest above Jesus. I have been putting my task list above Jesus. I have been putting the church I have been planning to plant above Jesus. All of these are good things, but none of them belong above Jesus. It’s no wonder I have been lacking clarity and not hearing His voice clearly. He’s been buried under the noise of my plans, and goals, and vision. So now I am chasing clarity, but chasing clarity above The One who brings clarity is still idolatry. It may not be a golden calf I am looking to, but the clarity I seek is even more shiny.
Chasing clarity is like continually cleaning my glasses when what I really need is a new prescription. I’ve got a fever from this infection of self-reliance, and the only prescription is Jesus.
I had the pleasure of attending the Penndel District Counsel of the Assemblies of God this past week. During one of the main sessions, the worship band led us in the song Jesus At The Center, by Israel Houghton, and the message was also about getting back to Jesus.
Jesus be the center of my life
Jesus be the center of my life
From beginning to the end
It will always be, it’s always been You JesusNothing else matters
Nothing in this world will do
Jesus You’re the center
Everything revolves around You
Jesus, YouFrom my heart to the Heavens
Jesus be the center
It’s all about You
Yes it’s all about YouIsrael Houghton – Jesus Be The Center ©2011 Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (IMI)), Sound Of The New Breed (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (IMI)), Regenerate Music Co. (Admin. by Watershed Music Co.)
Even pastors have to be reminded about getting their focus back to Jesus from time to time. Sometimes they (or I should say we since I am a part of this group now) get wrapped up in writing sermons more than Jesus. Sometimes we the number of people who commit their lives to Jesus or get baptized on a weekend takes precedence over Jesus Himself. I could write a book about all of the things that pastors are tempted to put in front of Jesus in their lives. I am beginning to see that there are more distractions than I have ever experienced, vying to pull my attention away from Jesus. The hardest part is that they all seem like worthy things to focus on and to long for. The problem is that none of them is worthy.
I am done chasing clarity. I have started a fast with the goal of finding clarity, but only through chasing Jesus first. Clarity is important as I move forward in God’s calling on my life. My relationship with Jesus is more important. Just like my sermon spoke to finding miracles through seeking Jesus, I know that clarity will come as I chase after Him.
Your decrees are wonderful;
therefore I obey them.
The revelation of Your words brings light
and gives understanding to the inexperienced.
I open my mouth and pant
because I long for Your commands.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is Your practice toward those who love Your name.
Make my steps steady through Your promise;
don’t let any sin dominate me.
Redeem me from human oppression,
and I will keep Your precepts.
Show favor to Your servant,
and teach me Your statutes.
My eyes pour out streams of tears
because people do not follow Your instructionPsalm 119:129–136 (HCSB)
Jesus at the center of it all, not chasing clarity.