Safe with Jesus

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-2 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.

“Safety isn’t the absence of suffering. It’s finding rest in the middle of it.” Michele Cushat.
A young man, named Josh, was approached by two men dressed nicely. The men began to speak to the young man about religion. The men were members of the Latter-Day Saints. Josh allowed the man speaking to continue his spiel (the 2nd man just observed). When he was finished, Josh asked, “Who do you say Jesus is?” The question took the young Latter Day Saint back and he stumbled with his words. Josh noticed his hesitation and answered for him saying, “You believe that Jesus is the spirit brother of Lucifer”. This statement caused shock in the young man and he responded that he did not believe that. Josh explained that the Latter-Day Saints believe that Jesus is a created being like an angel and that He is the spirit brother of Lucifer. At that moment, the older man stepped in to explain to the younger Latter Day Saint why they believed that. Again, Josh waited and listened as this man tried explaining that Jesus alone could not be the foundation of any religion. The older man cited 1 Peter 2. Afterward, Josh explained that the scripture he quoted actually stated the opposite. Josh told them that 1 Peter 2 says that Jesus is the chief cornerstone, the stone that the builders rejected and that in architecture the chief cornerstone is the stone that the foundation of all buildings are laid on. After that the two men were enthralled in their own conversation because the foundation of the young Latter Day Saint had been shaken. Josh, knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he had made the right decision when he decided to follow Jesus. He stood firmly on his belief and knew he was safe with Jesus. He had often been asked why he believed in Jesus; Josh’s answer was always, “Because I am safe with Jesus”. Josh explained that he knew that Jesus was the only way to the Father and that living his life according to the teachings of Christ meant he was safe no matter what. A family member asked, what if Islam turns out to be “the way”? Josh answered, If Islam is the way and I live according to the teachings of Christ I will still be allowed into Jenna but if Jesus is right and Allah is wrong, Muslims go to hell. The family member said but what if Buddha turns out to be right? Josh answered, If I live according to the teachings of Christ, I will still be reincarnated into something great but if Jesus is right and Buddha is wrong, the Buddhists go to hell. With each religion Josh gave the same answer. He ended with; I am safe with Jesus no matter what. That is the good news! As a follower of Jesus, you are safe no matter what. God is indeed our refuge and our strength (Psalm 46).

Prayer: Dear Lord, there are so many religions today claiming to be “the way” that some believers can get confused. I thank You for Scriptures and hymns that provide concrete evidence that Christ is the only way and the right way. I am so grateful that You made it possible for us to boldly say that our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I thank You for making it clear that on Christ the solid rock we can stand and that ALL other ground is sinking sand. We are blessed beyond measure to have Your Word which instructs and ultimately assures us that we are safe with Jesus. With those assurances we can speak confidently about our future and know because of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross that we have eternal life. You are great and wonderful and deserve all of our praise. In the matchless name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

(by Patricia Towns)