| All In - article by Joel Hempel
As we heard this past Sunday, All In is the CCLS theme for the year. Preaching at GLC was the Rev. Dr. Matthew Hoehner, Executive Director of CCLS. My takeaway included: We are all in a mess of trouble due to our sinful nature, and the only way out of it is through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who was all in to saving us by way of his death and resurrection. “Now, Jesus continues to be all in for us.” Absolutely, Jesus is “all in for us.” But, I would like emphasize that message with a slight change of emphasis: Jesus is also all in us! Why is that important? I’ll answer that questions with another question. What is the difference between in and out? Recently, I went grocery shopping at Schnucks. When I walked into the store, the bright colors and fragrances of the wonderful variety of fruits and vegetables were stunning! But all of that beauty and health is meaningless until I consume some of it and let it have its way with me. Indeed, Jesus is for us and promises to be with us always “to the very end” (Matt. 28:29). Scripture is also clear that Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit permanently have taken up residence in us. As you have time, please look up the following passages: Rom. 8:9-10; Gal. 2:20; 1 Cor. 3:16; Rom. 5:5). The Spirit of Christ Jesus being all in us is HUGE! It means where we go he goes. The problems we face he faces. The sins we commit, he closely observes (I’m not too happy about this one.). The big questions to which we need answers, he seeks with us. The sorrows and struggles that drag us down, he feels with us. The solutions to challenges we absolutely need, he cries out with us to the Father. Do you want a closer walk with Jesus? Do you want a friend with whom you can confide at any time of the day or night? You already have him! He will never leave you or forsake you because his Spirit is for you, with you, and in you. So, the more we seek to intimately know Jesus, the more he is able to reveal himself to us.
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