The Jesus I Know 10-Day DevotionalSample

Who Is the Jesus You Know?: A Conversation with Emilie Wierda

Kathie Lee

As we wrap our minds around these people I have introduced you to, and their unique stories, I’m hopeful you will see the diversity of the kingdom of heaven. We know God is there, and if we’ve trusted in Jesus as our Savior, we can know we will be there as well, but no doubt we’ll be surprised by who else is behind those pearly gates! So it’s probably time now to come face-to-face with the all-important question: Who is Jesus to you? As you think through your answer, consider this perspective from my friend and sister in the faith, Emilie Wierda. In 2012, Emilie and her husband, Craig, invited me to go to Israel with them. This trip changed my life.

Emilie

Jesus is real. He has not evolved like some mythical god worshiped at some point in history. He lived at a specific time, in a specific place, among a specific people, to bring about a specific plan to heal a broken world. His purpose was and is to deliver humanity from the grasp of evil, sin, and death.

The Apostle Paul’s story reveals that Jesus will go to drastic measures to invite us into a love relationship! Jesus humbled Himself to fit inside the womb of a Jewish woman and live the most difficult life of anyone at any time, just to demonstrate His love for us. Jesus made a way for all people from all nations of the earth to have the same hope of eternal life previously promised only to His Jewish people. More than two billion people today understand this and accept the gift of redemption. His kingdom continues to grow in places seen and unseen, in every nation of the world. 

Kathie Lee

Amen! Why do you think Jesus’ influence continues to flourish after two thousand years?

Emilie

Because Jesus heals, forgives, and restores real life to those who follow Him. And for those of us who receive His gift of forgiveness, Jesus sets us apart and makes us holy just as He is holy. This changes everything about the way we can look at life and our purpose for living. To be holy means we are profoundly loved, completely understood, and valued more highly than we can comprehend by our Creator. This is good news! While most of the world knows about Jesus, not everyone knows Him as friend and Savior.

The invitation is open. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened.” Might this be you today? He says to you, “Take my yoke [my example, my teachings, my way of living] upon you and learn from me.”

You may be wondering, You want us to learn from You, Jesus? Not just know about You? Why? Jesus answers, “For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” The God of gods and King of kings became love in human form to invite you and me to learn from Him how to really live—in wholeheartedness, without shame, in inexplicable joy. His Spirit is here, waiting to help us find rest for our souls. I’m in. I hope you are as well! If not, consider this your invitation.

Respond

What does it mean to you to know that God invites all people to know Him and have a personal relationship with Him?

How would you describe your life with Jesus? If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, who can help you learn more?

How has knowing Jesus changed your life?

Prayer

Lord, I thank You that You invite so many diverse people, who are in different places in their faith journeys and experiences with Jesus, into Your kingdom. Thank You that I can openly and honestly bring my questions to You. I know You will meet me where I am and walk with me as I learn from You and find rest for my soul. Help me to look at my neighbors with new eyes of mercy, just like You see them. Amen.