Are You Desperate For Jesus?

Desperation. The word has a melancholy and almost helpless feel to it, doesn’t it? The word causes me to feel weak. Desperation seems to tell me I am lacking something that I need someone else to fill. One of the definitions the Merriam Webster dictionary gives desperate is: moved by despair or utter loss of hope.

Desperation leaves me searching and dissatisfied. Desperation leaves me unhappy and restless.

Recently, I had the opportunity to watch the movie “Jesus Revolution” that came out a few years ago (I know, I am on the late train!). “Jesus Revolution” is about the Jesus Movement which started in the 1960’s. This movement caused great revivals to breakout all over the nation encouraging others (and mostly hippies) that the only way to have true life is in Jesus (link to the movie).

At the beginning of this movie, Lonnie Frisbee (portrayed by Johnathan Roumie) begins to tell Chuck Smith (portrayed by Kelsey Grammer) about the hippies and why they are the perfect group to be inviting to church and having the gospel taught to them. One thing that Lonnie says in the movie when talking to Smith that stuck out to me is when Lonnie says, “…they are desperate. What would it take for you to be desperate?”

When I heard this quote, I couldn’t help but wonder, are we as Christians desperate for Jesus? Do we realize our need for Him every day and that without Him, we are nothing? Do we realize the power the gospel holds for us and the treasure, hope, and peace we have knowing we are saved, redeemed, and have a future in Heaven?

More importantly, have we forgotten those who are desperate in their sin want to find a way out but can’t because no one has told them there is another way- The Way? Have we become too familiar with the sinful society around us that we have forgotten we have a job to do – that job being to go and find the ones who are drowning in darkness and pull them out with the light? Have we forgotten to tell them there is one who “…binds up the brokenhearted, proclaims freedom to the captives, and comforts all those who mourn?” So He can “…bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair (Isaiah 61:1b-3a).”

So, I ask you, are you desperate for Jesus? Does that desperation move you closer to God? If it does, then who are you telling about this Light and Hope that fills that desperation inside of you each day? Someone’s waiting for you. Will you tell them?

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6

Alyssa Rasor