Do you need Him?

They came to hear him and be healed of their diseases; and those tormented by unclean spirits were made well. The whole crowd was trying to touch him because power was coming out of him and healing them all. Luke 6:18-19

Can I just be honest? For most of my adult life, I have often thought I was more messed up than others. Other people often seemed to have it all together, but those who didn’t seemed to be content with that. But me, I was born messed up. The enemy used to whisper in my mind, “You will always be a mere statistic no matter how hard you try to escape.” There was never an option for me to reject Jesus. I am acutely aware of my utter dependence on Him to keep me clean and set me free.

Jesus has healed me multiple times and from many things. Just when I think I have nothing left to overcome, He does it again. He opens my eyes to the truth and heals my heart from the damage of the lies.

None of us are exempt from life’s messes --no matter how well we think we follow the “rules” or even how strong or smart we think we are. Everyone I have ever met who does not see their need for Jesus winds up in a downhill spiral driven by the lies of independence. The lies cause us to hustle to prove ourselves instead of resting in who He says we are. You can resist His ways but the road just leads you back to seeing your need for Him.

Old Testament prophesies said that the Messiah would cause the rise and fall of many, coming as a sword that will pierce souls and revealing the hearts of man. (Luke 2:35-35)

He revealed the hearts of the Pharisees. Their confidence was in their own ability to follow the rules of the law; therefore, they didn’t think they needed Him. But the hearts of the broken, sick, and poor were revealed in how they followed Him even to the wilderness. They wanted to touch Him and be touched by Him. They were hungry for His teachings and His forgiveness. Whenever the Pharisees were present, it was to trap Him and judge Him. See the difference?

Which one are you? Do you follow Jesus for healing and change or do you just want to be where the action is? Do you find yourself waiting with doubt in your mind or do you wait expectantly? Do you think you need healing and change or do you rely on the things you have done to show others how sinless you are?

Jesus told the Pharisees that He came to heal the sick but the well do not need a doctor. Do you need Jesus or is He just a means to supply your wants?

We simply cannot get close to Jesus without having our true hearts revealed. Self-righteousness produces doubt in Jesus while seeing our own true state produces faith in God. Those with faith will experience His healing but those without it won’t be able to experience His miracles in their own hearts and minds. Are you ready to be the canvas for His miracles?