Read all the kind tributes from headlines around the globe. Stand amazed at how he “changed the world” with all his gizmos, gadgets, and genius (is there a person on the planet that could be unaware of iAnything?). Be stunned (again) at how the death of such a young, seemingly vibrant man, takes your breath away.
Then, ask yourself:
If I were to die today, stand before the God of the universe, and He were to ask me, “Why should I let you into My heaven?”…What would I say?
No one but God knows where Steve Jobs is this moment. We cannot, we will not play the judge in this matter. We can hope that Jobs made the correct assessment of Jesus of Nazareth, and like Thomas fell at His feet claiming, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)
Jesus Himself asked His guys about His identity. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record Jesus asking His disciples, “Who do the people say that I am”? They gave Jesus some representative answers. Then Jesus asks, “But…”
This is conjecture, but I’ve always read these words thinking there was a pregnant pause between “But…” and the rest of Jesus’ question. The question that got really personal, really quickly:
“But, who do you say that I am?”
This is the question we all have to answer.
Peter got it right: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matt. 16:16).
Jesus didn’t just say, “That’s right!” Jesus said that Peter was blessed, and that He was going to start and build His church through his leadership.
This is the same group Jesus told:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matt. 28:18-20
So church, we’ve got our marching orders from our Sovereign King. There is no wiggle room. There is no “opt out” of these last words of Jesus. If you are a believer in Christ (i.e., you have repented of your sin-filled life, turned to Him, and placed your trust solely and only in His finished work on the cross to pay your sin-debt) you have been indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and Jesus said:
“you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
Life is so fragile, so short, so not under our control (read James 4:13-17). Tomorrow is no guarantee
Believer, go therefore and make disciples.
Not yet believer, go here to find out what it means to truly trust in Christ:
http://www.focalpointministries.org/share-the-gospel/
Or, contact me, I'd love to talk with you. mark.mayers@jesusfilm.org
